History

The International Health Group (IHG), predecessor to the Global Health Group (GHG), was conceived in 2002 by medical students Carolyn Hettrich E-99, Celine Gounder E-00 (pictured at right), and Vinita Goyal E-00. These three individuals saw a need for more extensive opportunities for medical students to learn about and participate in global health.   The IHG board was formed, consisting entirely of UWSOM medical students, which was solely responsible for coordinating the student global health programs within the School of Medicine

From 2002-2006, IHG received funding through the Puget Sound Partners for Global Health, now called the Washington Global Health Alliance. The IHG founded several very successful programs, foremost being the International Health Opportunities Program (IHOP) and the International Health Exchange (IHE).   In the early years, IHG board members volunteered many hours to coordinate these programs with the Global Health Resource Center and the exceptional efforts of Daren Wade, Director of the Center.  In 2006, following the development of the new Department of Global Health , the IHG was successfully incorporated into the new department and much of the administrative work for the IHG programs shifted to the GHRC.  

In 2007, the IHG board decided to dissolve and to instead hold open meetings to encourage participation and input from more medical students. The GHRC was integrated into the new Department of Global Health and the administrative responsibilities for the IHG courses and programs were transferred to the Department via the GHRC, continuing the role for IHG members to serve in an advisory capacity as student coordinators.

A new paradigm was introduced in 2008 under the new name of the Global Health Group. Group membership is now open to any University of Washington graduate student with an interest in global health and a commitment to developing student opportunities in global health. Leadership positions are held by committed individuals within the group who help to coordinate GHG programs and projects both in Seattle and abroad. In addition, the GHG actively works to develop new student programs in global health, to increase global health awareness, and to represent UW student global health interest to the broader community.