At 21th of September students from Maastricht University told about social medicine department.

At 21th of September students from Maastricht University told about social medicine department.

Social medicine department in Maastricht University became well-known thanks to innovative medicine program, which were established in 1974 year, - Problem-based learning. This program offers new methods of education and allows find novel ways to save health of modern person. Specificity of education is than from the beginning students work in groups. They discuss possible solution of problems, which are linked with health of all society.  They also share with each other new information, try to answer major question: how can we find information and find decision. Function of lecturer, during such seminars, is direct discussion and to inspire students. The result of this education is development of critical thinking, team-working skills, ability to solve problems, individual thinking and etc.

According to this program were published book «Lessons from Problem-based Learning» (H.van Berkel, A. Scherpbier, H. Hillen, C. van der Vleuten). Content of this book composes from results of program, findings and experience.

Sandor and Pamela define social medicine as a result of social influence and environment on people’s health. They established major goals of health society: protection of health, prevention of illnesses, increasing of life span and promotion of health life-style.

Moreover, guests mentioned of some interesting studies of their department: “Why are Barbie and Ken kicked out of school?”, “Timely disclosure and prevention children’s obesity”, “Problems of mental illness by migrant-children in the Netherlands” and etc. Everyone became interested in these studies, bur was offered to familiarize with them directly in Maastricht. Moreover two research workers from our laboratory will visit them this summer. Students compared main themes of studies. A lot of research in Maastricht is devoted to sexual and children’s harassment and coercion, problems in education and behavior, suicide and etc. Our laboratory emphasizes problems of integration children in school, besides, taking alcohol and smoking. It was interested to us and guests to share experience of making research, find something new and told about amazing cases.

by Maria Petrova