Global health is a concept that focuses attention on inequalities and disparities in health, including health status and access to health services, all with a strong focus on fostering social justice and championing human rights. It embraces the concept of Global Citizenship.
The Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry established the Global Health Program to expand and strengthen medical education and research in global health and to develop bi-lateral relationships and programs with partner institutions in low and middle-income countries (LMICs) that bring value to both partners. Read about how the Global Health Program facilitates pediatric partnerships in this interview with our Director, Dr. Dominic Allain.
The Goals of the Global Health Program:
- Establishment and stewardship of bidirectional relationships with institutions in LMICs that are mutually beneficial
- Provide educational experiences at home and abroad for students, residents and faculty to explore relevant global and international health topics
- Support for global health research
The Responsibilities of the Global Health Program:
- Promote global health events by organizing the annual Global Health Fair, Global Health Rounds, annual Rich Man Poor Man Fundraiser, in-class presentations, presentations by past participants and post-elective debrief sessions
- Develop and steward relationships with institutions in LMICs, many of which offer opportunities for placements for FoMD learners
- Recruit faculty to the field station liaison group
- Register students attending overseas electives including field station electives, IFMSA electives, Non-Field Station electives, European electives, non-CACMS and non-LCME electives and student-arranged electives to ensure they have completed their checklist prior to departure
- Support the MSA Global Health reps in organizing the 12 Hour Global Health elective which is a pre-requisite for all students attending field stations through the Global Health office. For more information go here.
- Liaise with UME and PGME to support learners in determining a good fit for their international experience and to guide learners through the process to meet the requirements of UofA and FoMD policies for international electives.