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Dr. Heather Frank in Bolivia

NC offers a broad range of experiences in global health clinical care and research, as well as didactic activities covering myriad topics in the School of Medicine, School of Public Health, and others. In order to enhance the professional development of Med-Peds, Pediatrics, and Internal Medicine residents who are interested in pursuing global health careers, a Global Health Pathway was established in 2020. The Pathway includes four key components: mentorship, didactic curriculum, clinical experiences, and scholarship. Residents receive a Distinction in Global Health at the completion of residency training.

Mentorship

Participants are matched with a Global Health mentor with whom they will meet at least twice yearly. Mentors assist residents with preparing for and debriefing from global health clinical experiences, support the development of scholarly work, and review case logs to discuss global experiences.

Curriculum

The Pathway includes the following curricular activities:

  • Pre-departure preparation, including liaising with the Office of Global Health Education and a Pre-departure Global Intensive Orientation Day
  • Didactic global health education in the form of required attendance at a minimum of 4 global health events and a completion of 12 total activities/experiences per year
  • Completion of a Global Health Case Log
  • Elements specific to the participant’s selected clinical site

Clinical Experience

Pathway participants will use at least 2 special months for global health clinical experiences either abroad or locally with local global populations. Residents with interests in working with local global communities (e.g. migrants, refugees, Indian Health Services) are welcome and encouraged to apply.

Scholarship / Tangible Product

Participants will be expected to complete at least one scholarly project in addition to a morning report during their three years in the Pathway.

Global Health in the time of COVID

Recognizing the necessary limitations on safe and responsible travel during the time of COVID, Global Health Pathway curricular activities and requirements were adjusted to reflect these unusual times. Should travel again be disrupted, the Global Health Education Committee commits to facilitating local-global clinical opportunities, global health projects and activities that are amenable to remote, internet-based work, and more frequent gatherings for Pathway participants focused on global health topics and experiences.

Community

Global Health Pathway residents meet regularly in an informal setting with other residents and key global health faculty to discuss global health topics of interest, provide support around career goals and challenges, share ideas and opportunities, and network. Pathway residents choose the topic or focus of the meetings and have an opportunity to facilitate one session over the course of each year.

Applications

Residents apply to the Pathway in fall of their Intern year to facilitate second year scheduling of clinical electives. Applications to the Pathway open in mid-October each year. Application instructions can be found here. Applications are due in mid-November. Residents will be notified of their acceptance in December.

All Pathway participants are encouraged to apply to the Office of Global Health Education’s Global Health Scholars Program. The GHSP experience complements the GHP experience and provides additional funding and networking opportunities across Departments and phases of training.

Questions?

Feel free to email the Global Health Advisory Board at uncglobalhealthpathway@med.unc.edu.