Erin Michelle Koers MPH student, School of Public Health
	Social and cultural determinants of immigrant health in the context of a developing country
It was during a trip to Cuba that Erin Michelle Koers developed an interest in the topic of what would become her thesis: Social and cultural determinants of immigrant health in the context of a developing country. Cuban immigrants into the Dominican Republic became the subjects of her study. In her initial research, Koers discovered that although the Cuban immigrant population has been able to assimilate with the Dominicans because of the similarity of language and physical appearance, several health issues have surfaced as unique to the Cuban immigrant population: new immigrants are prone to experience high blood pressure and emotional stress as a result of the relocation; and dengue, which is mostly controlled by the Cuban public health system, but becomes a concern in the Dominican Republic, where there is no universal health care. According to Koers, when she received notification that she was a recipient of the International Programs Award, she was thrilled. The award will allow her to pay for the cost of translating the information gathered through interviews with the Cuban immigrants. Through the research she has already conducted, she discovered the necessity for accurate translation to determine not only the literal translation, but the expression of thought. “I think it makes the difference between a mediocre outcome and stronger, professional data.” In addition, the award will pay for research-related travel within the Dominican Republic. “I was going to do the study anyway, but it was a matter of how many corners I was going to have to cut.” Koers believes that the research will shed light on immigration between two developing countries and between groups of people with distinct experiences in access to public health. This project, with the emphasis on health effects on immigrant populations, was judged by the committee as exemplifying the purpose of the award. Koers sees the award as “a great opportunity for the Health Science Center to increase its international scope, especially in the School of Public Health where there are a lot of people interested in international work.”
Comparison of Health Facilities in the Dominican Republic:
Private Clinic
Public Hospital