Global Health Pathway

The Global Health Pathway is designed for students interested in careers dedicated to improving global health disparities. Students complete coursework, service projects, and international experiences designed to meet the following learning objectives:

Develop an awareness of the key diseases affecting health in developing countries, and the health systems in which these diseases are treated.

• Understand the historical, economic, political, environmental, and social factors responsible for global health disparities.

• Learn to provide compassionate and effective medical care to patients within different cultural frameworks and in areas with limited resources.

• Develop a multidisciplinary and multicultural perspective towards global health. Learn to collaborate effectively with professionals from diverse academic disciplines and different cultural backgrounds.

• Gain insight and experience into the ways research can help address global health issues.

History
The GHP was initiated by medical students in the International Health Group (IHG) and then developed in conjunction with the University of Washington School of Medicine (UWSOM).  

The GHP is administered through the Global Health Resource Center and has continued active support and participation from members of the International Health Group (IHG), including an IHG Student Coordinator.

Since 2006, a total of 17 students have received a certificate of completion from the Global Health Pathway.

Pathway Development – The Global Health Pathway Working Group:
In 2008, the GHP working group was formed. The group is chaired by David Roesel, MD, MPH and is comprised of faculty members from diverse areas of medicine and public health (including WWAMI), GHP students (1 Seattle, 1 WWAMI), an MD/MPH GHP student and Department of Global Health staff.
The goal of the GHP working group is to guide the pathway forward, further developing it a high-quality educational opportunity for students interested in global health. This group will also define areas for curricular development in the UWSOM curriculum for all medical students and address needs and issues related to the MD/MPH in Global Health program.

Requirements:

Independent Investigative Inquiry (III) Option 1, 2 or 3:

Completion of an III is required of all medical students prior to graduation. GHP students must complete their III project on an approved global health topic.*

**Students who satisfied the III requirement prior to entering medical school can meet this requirement by working with GHP staff to propose an alternative project. The proposed project will be presented to the GHP committee for approval.
Students may also meet this requirement in conjunction with IHOP, MSRTP international or R/UOP (topic must be approved by GHP administrator and committee).

International Experience via one of the following:

a. International Health Opportunities Program (IHOP) -- 1st year medical students
b. International Health Electives (IHE) -- 4th year medical students
c. Elective Clerkship Abroad (ECA) – Self-funded fourth year elective clerkship abroad. For more information on this option, contact Jennifer Earle: jearle@u.washington.edu
d. Other Opportunities: Clinical Research overseas, an international public health project or another self-arranged international project to be approved by the GHP program administrator and committee.

Two of the following courses:

a. International Health (G H 501, G H 502) – GH 501 is available via videconference for WWAMI sites (Fall Quarter only)
b. Advanced Topics in Global Health (G H 505/MED 560)
c. Tropical Medicine (G H 561/MED 561)
d. Problems in International Health (G H 511)
e. AIDS: A Multidisciplinary Approach (G H 562, EPI/MED 530)
f. Emerging Infections of International Public Health Importance (EPI 529) – Classroom based class only.
g. Nutrition in Developing Countries (G H/NUTR 555)
h. War and Mental Health (PBSCI 515)
i. Clinical Infectious Diseases (CONJ 550-P)

One experience in a clinic:

*Students are responsible for working with clinical departments to  arrange their own experiences.

Choose one option from any of the following:
a. Preceptorship
b. Required Clerkship
c. Elective Clerkship (including an abroad elective)
d. Sub-Internship
e. Advanced Preceptorship

The experience must be relevant to global health.

Examples include clinic’s that serve indigenous, immigrant, refugee, or migrant communities and/or are resource poor. Clinic’s that may qualify for the pathway include SeaMar, Country Doctor, Migrant Farmworker Clinic, Seattle Indian Health Board. Again, these experiences must be arranged through the host department and must be approved by pathway administrator, Jennifer Earle.

*This requirement can also be met by doing an IHE, ECA or R/UOP with approval from the GHP administrator and committee.

Community Involvement:

Involvement with a global health focused group or project. Some examples include:
Assisting with the Western Regional International Health Conference (to be held every other year), active participation in planning or program development/management with the UWSOM International Health Group, Rotaract (Rotary International) Chapter of the UW Health Sciences, Al-Shifa Clinic, or any other relevant global health program.

Congratulations 2008 Global Health Pathway Graduates:
Onyeka Nduaguba, MD
Rachel A. Bender, MD
Szu Yu Chen, MD
Teresa Bleakly, MD

Global Health Pathway Application:
https://catalysttools.washington.edu/survey/jearle/41652

Global Health Pathway Contacts:
If you are interested in joining the pathway or learning more about the pathway, please contact:

Jennifer Earle, Global Health Pathway Staff Advisor,
Global Health Resource Center, Department of Global Health
Email: jearle@u.washington.edu
Office: Health Sciences Center, Room T-433
tel: 206-685-7418, fax: 206-685-8034

GHG Global Health Pathway Student Coordinator, TBA!