Practitioner’s Guide to Global Health

Medical students! If you are planning a global health experience, this guide is for you!

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The Practitioner’s Guide to Global Health is a three-part multidisciplinary timeline-based, interactive, evaluative, open-access course to prepare students and trainees to safely and effectively participate in global health learning experiences. The course is free-of-charge and generate a Credly Badge upon successful completion. A brief overview video can be viewed here.

The three parts are as follows [click the course links below to begin any course]:

  • Part 1: “The Big Picture” (to be completed 6-12 months in advance) covers several important “big picture” questions: Why do you want to have a global health learning experience? What kind of experience is right for you and your current level of training? When would be a good time? Where should you do it? How will you fund it? This part is appropriate for: 1) first-year medical students who plan to apply for the GH Summer Scholarship; 2) second-year medical students who would like to take a year off between year 1 and 2 to undertake a GH experience; and 3) third-year medical students who are planning GH electives for their fourth year.
  • Part 2: “Preparation & On The Ground”(to be completed 1-3 months in advance) will help you arrange logistics; consider security, cultural awareness, and health hazards. You will identify and manage personal and property safety risks; navigate professional, ethical, and cultural issues. This part is appropriate for any medical student who plans to go abroad.
  • Part 3: “Reflection” (to be completed toward the end of your rotation or on your way home) helps you prepare to return including dealing with unexpected feelings and health issues. It also helps you plan for future work and sustainability. This part is appropriate for any medical student at the completion of his/her GH experience.

This course has been made possible thanks to the hard work of over 50 global health experts from around the world, the ACEP International Section, and the Boston University Digital Learning Initiative.