Global Health Education

photo© Dr. Julie Herlihy

Pediatric residents at UC Davis all participate in a core global health curriculum which introduces basic topics in epidemiology, child survival interventions and tools for monitoring and evaluating public health programs. The curriculum uses innovative teaching techniques from S.U.G.A.R. (Simulation Use for Global Away Rotations - developed by Midwest Consortium of Global Child Health Educators), hands on workshops in data manipulation, as well as seminars in program design, monitoring and evaluation. Our goal is to expose pediatricians in training to the toolbox needed for a successful career in global health.

For those residents with deeper interest in global health, mentoring for a scholarly project is possible. The Global Health Director works with residents one-one-one to conduct research or program implementation for global health populations. Time for scholarly work is built into the residency schedule and dedicated time for experiences abroad is available in both PGY2 and PGY3 years.

“UC Davis Pediatrics provided me the opportunity to experience global health first hand and learn more about global health research during my two one-month rotations in Roatán, Honduras. My co-resident and I were thankful to have excellent mentorship by Dr. Herlihy and Dr. Chantry who helped us with a research project to improve exclusive breastfeeding in Roatán, Honduras using educational text messages and videos. I am very thankful for this enriching experience through the UC Davis Global Health Program.”

- Lisa Rasmussen, M.D.

Recognizing that medicine is now global and that many challenges facing those who practice in an international environment are similar to those faced in rural America, we developed a distinct global/rural surgery track. This track offers two separate routes, the rural surgery route gives a resident the experiences to finish general surgery training and go directly into practice in a rural community with limited resources. The global path paves the way to be a leader in global health.

To learn more about the Global/Rural Surgery track, contact Jacob Stephenson, M.D.