Global Health

What is global health?

Global health is the commitment to improving health and access to healthcare for all people worldwide. Practically, global health training requires learning about diseases and health issues that specifically impact patients in resource-limited settings whether these are on the other side of the globe or in underserved areas within the United States. Most importantly, it is a collaborative process that helps communities build sustainable healthcare systems within the context of their own cultures. 

In addition to providing direct assistance to populations in need of medical care, global health allows physicians to challenge their own practice of medicine by prioritizing efficiency, cost-effectiveness, creative problem solving, and cultural awareness. 

Global health at the University of Cincinnati

The Internal Medicine program at the University of Cincinnati initially started its global health program in the 1990s, primarily centered around communities in the rural Amazonas region of Brazil. Since then, our residents have also traveled to Guatemala and Tanzania in partnership with the UC Family Medicine global health program, worked with UC graduates through the Indian Health Service in New Mexico, and traveled abroad with independent organizations such as the Himalayan Health Exchange. While many of these programs came to a halt with the emergence of COVID19, the UC Internal Residency program is working to rebuild our international partnerships and create a strong network of physicians dedicated to advancing global health.

Our vision for the new UC Internal Medicine Global Health Pathway includes opportunities for clinical placements as well as ongoing educational opportunities at our home institution. 

Pathway goals include: 
• Cultivating cultural awareness and Improving residents' ability to deliver healthcare in resource-limited settings with opportunities for off-site and international electives
• Formal curriculum development focused on topics such as social determinants of health, malnutrition, tropical medicine, ethics, and practicalities of working in resource-limited settings
• Building partnerships with underserved communities within the Cincinnati area in collaboration with other existing programs such as the Initiative on Poverty, Justice, and Health and the newly formed addiction medicine pathway
• Encouraging camaraderie among pathway members through special events such as book clubs, case simulations, and guest speakers

Residents will be able to apply for off-site travel during their PGY-2 year and will be expected to participate in pre-departure coursework with dedicated education on global health.

Residents are also encouraged to explore and participate in other global health initiatives available at UC. These opportunities include:

• UC Family Medicine: Well-established program with the Maya Health Alliance in Guatemala and and the Village Life Outreach Project in Tanzania
• CCHMC: Med-Peds residents have the ability to pursue electives through Cincinnati Children’s' Hospital 
• Community resources including Shoulder to Shoulder, Healthcare for the Homeless, Crossroad Health Center, Equitas Health, Free clinics, Urban health project

For more information, please contact Allison Stickles at sticklao@ucmail.uc.edu