Global Health Pathway
The Office of Global Health (OGH) at UT Southwestern is committed to reducing health disparities globally, and training the next generation of leaders in global health. The OGH has supported global health activities for more than 700 students since 2010. These students have completed clinical rotations and research activities in more than 35 countries around the world. UT Southwestern recognizes the opportunity for expansion of our global footprint through collaborative partnerships that leverage unique strengths to improve health outcomes, while providing opportunities for the next generation of health care professionals to gain technical skills and exposure to cultures, societies, and unique diseases.
Entry Opportunities
Several opportunities for enrichment exist outside of the curriculum and coursework, and range in length and level of commitment.
- Spring Break Trips
Weeklong student-organized trips are an ideal way to experience global health firsthand without the full commitment of a course, or to supplement one.
There are four trip options:
- Sarstún, Guatemala
- Antigua, Guatemala
- Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
- El Paso, Texas
Student leaders accept applications each fall. For more information, contact the Office of Global Health by phone, 214-648-2786, or email. global.health@utsouthwestern.edu
The number of participants accepted varies by trip site
- Global Health Interest Group
Global health conversations are happening right here in Dallas. A student-run organization on-campus encourages, educates, and equips students for experiences around the world and promotes dialogue about current issues in global health.
The group aims to:
- Understand the numerous, diverse aspects of global health
- Improve the health of communities at home and abroad
- Increase awareness of global health issues and their far-reaching impact
- Gain insight from professionals and students alike
- Home and Abroad Magazine
Home and Abroad magazine is a student-produced magazine published annually online and in print. The magazine highlights key global health topics through the voice of students, physicians, researchers, and subject matter experts from UT Southwestern and across the globe.
- Global Surgery Student Alliance (GSSA)
GSSA publicly advocates for the global surgery field and its need for more volunteers. It was established to develop and mentor future surgeons, anesthesiologists, and obstetricians of the world.
The alliance aims to:
- Provide timely and affordable access to surgical care around the world
- Advance education and research about global surgery
- Address challenges of providing sustainable care in low-resource settings
To learn more, visit the UT Southwestern GSSA Chapter website.
Electives
Students are given the opportunity to learn about global health through didactic courses, clinical rotations, and research experiences in low- and middle-income nations.
These electives are designed for MS1 and MS2 students.
ENRH 106 Introduction to Global Health (Credit)
Offered in a lecture format over 12 weeks. Topics include but are not limited to:
- Core principles of global health
- Factors that affect global health outcomes
- Health care systems in low- and middle-income nations
- Global burden of disease
- Social determinants of health
- Ethics
- Professionalism
- Cultural competency
ENRH 120 International Service Learning (No credit) – Please contact the Global Health Interest Group (GHIG), or your class global health representative, for information about service-learning trips.
These electives are designed for MS4 students and are offered over four weeks. Students may choose their own location of interest or pick from two pre-approved locations in India (Bangalore Baptist Hospital in Bangalore, Medanta Medicity in New Delhi). Core clerkships must be complete before submitting the required application.
- Operate in low-resource, international health care settings
- Manage health care disparities
- Treat diseases endemic in developing countries
These electives are designed for all students and are offered over eight weeks during summer break. Students may study and serve in their preferred location. An application is required, and students must complete IRB training if accepted.
ENRH 134 Global Health Summer Research (Credit)
- Conduct a research study
- Formulate a research question
- Present findings
- Understand appropriate use of patient records
- Identify limitations of local health reports
Scholarly Activity
Students who want to engage in a more intensive learning experience centered around Global Health can complete their scholarly activity on the Global Health track.
Students will develop an understanding of the methods used to quantify health outcomes among individuals and populations across the globe. They will learn to address public health issues in an ethical and culturally competent manner.
In this course, students will:
- Formulate a global health research topic
- Design a feasible study
- Implement study
- Analyze data
- Write a scholarly manuscript with mentor
Distinction
Students with an extreme passion for Global Health can set themselves apart by earning a distinction. In addition to the scholarly activity, a student project, thesis, and portfolio are required. There are three ways to earn distinction: the integrated track, the independent track, and the International Medical Exchange Program.
Contact Us
