Chiang Mai and Illinois: a cooperative international project, 1962-1970

Participants in the Chiang Mai-Illinois Project had unique opportunities to work toward the goals of medical education in an attractive but alien environment. Concepts concerning public health and preventive medicine did not have high priority as the new medical school at Chiang Mai began, but a growing department made some progress in the teaching of these concepts with discussions, library and record room projects, and limited village investigations. Studies of hospital and clinic patients and of specific diseases disclosed useful data about northern Thai people. A productive experience in the foreign setting is believed to require sound training, energy, adaptability, and an investment of years.