Global Health Pathway

The International Health Group (IHG) of the University of Washington School of Medicine promotes medical student research and clinical experiences to benefit underserved populations worldwide.

IHG has developed a Global Health Pathway (GHP) with UWSOM to:

- Prepare medical students for work in underserved communities
- Increase medical students' cultural competency
- Encourage research on global health issues
- Raise awareness of ethical issues related to global health
- Introduce students to the challenges of practicing in resource poor settings

The Global Health Pathway will provide medical students with the information and experiences necessary to practice in underserved communities both here and abroad.

Requirements:

1. Independent Investigative Inquiry (III)
Completion of an III research project is required of all medical students prior to graduation. GHP students must complete their III project on an approved global health topic.*

2. One of the following:
a. International Health Opportunities Program (IHOP) -- 1st year medical students
b. International Health Electives (IHE) -- 4th year medical students
c. Self-arranged international activity to be approved by the program administrator.

3. Two of the following courses:
a. International Health (UCONJOINT 501 or 503)
b. Advanced Topics in Global Health (MED 560)
c. Tropical Medicine (MED 561)
d. Problems in International Health (HSERV 531)

4. Complete a preceptorship or elective in one of the following clinics (students are responsible for arranging their own preceptorship/elective):
a. International District clinic
b. International Medicine Clinic at Harborview
c. Seattle Indian Health Board Community clinic
d. Migrant Farmworker Clinic (Yakima)
e. Other clinics that serve underserved or cultural populations (approved by pathway administrator)

5. Assist with the International Health Conference (to be held every other year) or an alternative project being implemented by the UWSOM International Health Group.

*Students who satisfied the III requirement prior to entering medical school can meet this requirement by presenting global health research at an approved meeting or conference.

If you feel that you have met all of the requirements for the pathway please send an e-mail outlining how you have met each of the requirements to Fiona Havers at fhavers@u.washington.edu. If you have questions about the pathway please e-mail Daren Wade at dwade@u.washington.edu.