Practitioner’s Guide to Global Health

Medical students! If you are planning a global health experience, this course is for you!

The Practitioner’s Guide to Global Health is a three-part multidisciplinary, timeline-based course to prepare students and trainees to safely and effectively participate in global health learning experiences.

Medical students who are planning to participate in global health activities sponsored by the medical school (e.g., Global Health Summer Scholarship Program and fourth-year Global Health electives) must complete all three parts of the Blackboard course. Parts 1 and 2 must be completed before departure of any global health activity . Part 3 must be completed just prior to your return. Email Ana Gregory to be  enrolled in the course.

The three parts are as follows:

• Part 1: “The Big Picture” (to be completed 6-12 months in advance) covers several important “big picture” questions: Why do you want to have a global health learning experience? What kind of experience is right for you and your current level of training? When would be a good time? Where should you do it? How will you fund it? This part is appropriate for: 1) first-year medical students who plan to apply for the GH Summer Scholarship; 2) second-year medical students who would like to take a year off between year 1 and 2 to undertake a GH experience; and 3) third-year medical students who are planning GH electives for their fourth year.
• Part 2: “Preparation & On The Ground”(to be completed 1-3 months in advance) will help you arrange logistics; consider security, cultural awareness, and health hazards. You will identify and manage personal and property safety risks; navigate professional, ethical, and cultural issues.
• Part 3: “Reflection” (to be completed toward the end of your rotation or on your way home) helps you prepare to return including dealing with unexpected feelings and health issues. It also helps you plan for future work and sustainability.