Global Health Equity Track

Health Equity & Global Health, MedStar Academic Affairs

Engaging in global health work is imperative to achieve the end goal of global health equity. Through global health work, we strive for a world where access to quality healthcare is ubiquitous and preventable disease is not life-threatening.

The mission of the multispecialty MedStar Global Health Equity Track is to shape the future leaders of healthcare with an understanding of the underlying principles that influence health equity in the international landscape, including historical, racial, social, cultural, environmental, economic, and political forces. Residents graduating from the track will be able to partner with populations in a variety of settings to work towards the end goal of global health equity.

Global Health Equity themes are explored in regularly scheduled interdisciplinary didactics and simulations. Residents participate in at least one Global Health rotation, either domestically or abroad, and present a capstone project at the completion of their track. Close faculty mentorship is given throughout the two-year track. Additional opportunities such as forensic asylum evaluation training are available.

Application Process

Applications will be accepted each winter for the upcoming academic year. Residents may apply during or after their intern year, with at least two years left in their residency, so that they can complete the two-year track. Residents must be in good academic standing and obtain approval from their program director.

Click here to apply

Curriculum

Below is a sample of topics covered during our two-year didactic curriculum:

The History of Global Health
Social Determinants of Health
The Ethics of Global Health
Measuring the Global Burden of Disease
Universal Healthcare
Non-Communicable Diseases
Global Surgery

Community Health Workers
Refugee & Asylee Health
Examining Global Maternal Health Through a Human Rights Prism
Human Trafficking
Power Dynamics in Global Health
A Global Perspective on LGBTQ Health
Emerging Pandemics

Vector Borne Diseases
Indian Health Services
Cleft Palate Repair Programs
TB & HIV
How to do a Needs Assessment
Global Mental Health
Climate Change

Rotations

The goal of these rotations is to enter into longitudinal bidirectional relationships with communities to develop partnerships that are beneficial to all parties while acknowledging the burden of short-term learners in a low-resource environment. Both domestic and international sites are available. Experienced faculty continually evaluate rotation opportunities in regard to community needs, educational opportunity, safety, and supervision. Emergency medical and evacuation insurance will be mandatory for international sites and recommended through one of the following: AXA Assistance USA, HTH Worldwide, and Seven Corners. Residents will observe or practice medicine internationally within the same scope as they do in the United States and with the appropriate level of supervision. At this time, funding for international rotations is determined by the department within which the resident works.

Global Health faculty are happy to connect you with our Domestic site opportunities. International rotation requests should be submitted via application link below 3 months prior to requested travel. Please note that new sites are subject to approval and will require application up to 6 months in advance. The development of new longitudinal, bidirectional sites is preferred over one-time experiences. Once the application is received, you will be contacted regarding next steps, which will vary depending on the site.

INTERNATIONAL ROTATION APPLICATION

Domestic

Indian Health Service sites:
- Chinle, Arizona: Family Medicine, Internal Medicine
- Zuni, New Mexico: Med-Peds, Family Medicine
- Fort Defiance, Arizona: Internal Medicine, Family Medicine, Pediatrics, Surgery, Obstetrics
- Gallup, New Mexico: Emergency Medicine
No language requirement for this high-quality clinical experience in the Navajo Nation. Experiences vary based on specialty and clinical site. Housing may be provided.
UCSD Asylum Seeker Medical Screening & Stabilization Program
US Asylum Seekers are brought from the Mexican border by Department of Homeland Security to this shelter and clinic where 24-7 stabilization care is provided on the San Diego side of the US-Mexico border. Acute and Chronic medical issues are addressed for adults and children of all ages, including pregnant women.
D.C. Department of Health
No language requirement for this local opportunity in the District of Columbia. At this clinical rotation site, residents gain experience in a variety of infectious diseases in a diverse patient population.
Shepherd’s Clinic
No language requirement for this Baltimore-based clinic providing free, comprehensive healthcare to a diverse, uninsured population. At this clinical rotation site, residents gain first-hand experience providing care to patients with limited access and resources.

International – Longitudinal

CES University, Columbia:
Spanish language proficiency is required in this active observer role, where you will present patients and round with the inpatient team. There are opportunities to rotate in the Columbia Institute of Tropical Medicine laboratory and rotate with a regional Infectious Disease expert.
Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
No language requirement is in place for this opportunity that is primarily observational. Rotations are primarily done in Infectious Disease or Dermatology, with others possible upon request. Rounds are done in English or translated for you. There is the opportunity to rotate in the rabies clinic.
Mann Deshi Foundation, India
No language requirement for this experience that has the opportunity for research, project development, and clinical work. Rotations can be customized to meet resident and local community needs.
AIC Litein Hospital, Kenya
No language requirement for this rotation that may be observational or clinical if temporary licensure is acquired in advance. Residents will have access to inpatient, outpatient, and teaching experiences.
Additional Rotation Sites
Other sites may be approved for a one-time experience in certain cases. There may be department-specific opportunities that are not listed here. Please complete the International Rotation Application link above to apply.

Additional rotation sites may be approved for a one-time experience in certain cases. There may be department-specific opportunities that are not listed here. Please click the button below to complete the application form to apply.

Testimonials for the Global Health Equity Track

Prishanya Pillai

“I really enjoyed being a part of the Global Health Equity Track during my fellowship training! It was truly a privilege to hear from multidisciplinary local and global experts in law, policy, and so much more, and discuss core topics in the fields of global health and equity with a diverse, excited group! My 4-week international elective in Litein, Kenya was an incredible experience, as I witnessed firsthand the practice of internal medicine and critical care in a resource-limited setting. As an infectious disease physician interested in global health and human rights, I highly recommend this track!”