This rotation will take place in Madagascar, the 4th largest island in the world; it is located off the eastern coast of Africa. The Malagasy people are Polynesian, animistic, 90% rural subsistence farmers. They speak Malagasy, which includes 17 different dialects. Students will work with SALFA (Sampan' Asa Loterana Momba Ny Fahasalamana), the medical organization of the Malagasy Lutheran church. It provides the majority of the health care to rural Madagascar (population 20 million) through eight hospitals and 22 clinics scattered across the island. They provide the majority of quality medical care to people in rural area.

This four-week rotation takes place during Block 4 (mid-September through mid-October). The student will become familiar with common tropical diseases, public health issues in developing countries, poverty related diseases and the research being done in Tropical Medicine. Students will be working in a cross-cultural environment with patients who do not speak English.