Global Health Program
Opportunities for Pediatric Residents: International Experiences
The Zambia Project
We are particularly excited about a unique program in Zambia through the MGH Center for Global Health. In partnership with the Maternal and Infant Health Initiative (MIHI) and the Boston Pediatrics Zambia Consortium, MGH residents have the opportunity to rotate at the University Teaching Hospital (UTH) in Lusaka, Zambia. This 1100-bed hospital is the largest hospital in the country and is a tertiary care center, receiving referrals from all of Zambia. The UTH has 300 pediatric beds spread among a NICU, PICU, malnutrition ward, hematology/oncology ward, and several general wards. MGH faculty members are present on-site. MGH residents can schedule a month-long, fully funded rotation there during their second or third years, gaining first-hand experience managing a wide variety of illnesses endemic to the developing world in a culturally enriching environment. The project ultimately aims to establish a continuous resident presence in Zambia for clinical work, longitudinal cooperative research, and the formation of an educational exchange with the UTH.
The Edendale Experience
Pediatric residents are invited to participate in a funded clinical experience at Edendale Hospital, South Africa. This rotation involves inpatient, outpatient, and rural components, with a focus on pediatric HIV and tuberculosis management. On-site MGH faculty members are present in Edendale for support and supervision, and multiple teaching conferences are available for residents. Secure accommodations and transportation to and from the hospital are provided. More information
Liberia
Under the guidance of two Pediatric Global Health Leadership Fellows and with the support of the World Bank, a Department of Pediatrics is currently being developed at JFK Hospital in Monrovia, Liberia. This project ultimately seeks to create an organic, self-sustainable engine of academic and educational pediatrics in Monrovia. Residents are welcome to participate in funded service opportunities.
International Electives
PGY-2 and PGY-3 residents have the opportunity to pursue interests in global health through international electives abroad. Residents are encouraged to develop individualized projects focused on various topics including clinical medicine, research, health policy, and foreign-language development. Our residents have traveled to China, Brazil, Mexico, South Africa, Uganda, Tanzania, Peru, Zambia, Gambia, Chile, and Lesotho. Upon returning to MGH, residents share their international experiences through presentations given to colleagues and faculty which ultimately increases awareness of global health issues, teaches, and inspires. More information
Lecture Series
Medical education in global health is provided through several didactic forums, including Pediatric Grand Round Seminars and well as topics discussed at both Morning and Noon Conferences. Topics include but are not limited to:
- Pathways to International Health
- Cross-cultural Health Care
- Immigrant & Refugee Health
- Orphans and International Adoption
- Travel Medicine
- Disaster Management
- The 90/10 Gap
- State of the World’s Children: Child Labor, Child trafficking, Child soldiers Vaccine Preventable Diseases & Tropical Medicine
- Malnutrition, HIV, TB, Malaria
- Neonatal health, Intensive Care, Oncology, and Mental Health in developing countries
- Ethics in International Health Research
Humanitarian Studies Initiative for Residents (HSIR) Program
The Humanitarian Studies Initiative for Residents (HSIR) is an exciting, new, multi-disciplinary program to train resident-physicians and fellows in humanitarian response to disaster and refugee crises. HSIR was developed as an educational program under the Harvard Humanitarian Initiative (HHI). HHI is a University-based program that serves to coordinate humanitarian activities across Harvard University, and is based at the Harvard School of Public Health. The faculty of each of the partnering institutions of the HHI has developed areas of expertise, talent, and distinguished faculty in the evolving field of humanitarian studies. Through this opportunity, participants at each institution can obtain a robust education in humanitarian studies while completing the requirements of their individual programs. This initiative has created bridges linking these institutions, which students can traverse to meet the educational needs required in humanitarian studies: flexibility, diversity, excellence, and comprehensiveness.
A total of 19 resident-physicians, from across four of Harvard's teaching hospitals, including Beth Israel/Deaconess Hospital, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Children's Hospital and Massachusetts General Hospital, commenced the two year training program in Fall 2006. The inaugural 2-week course was held in September, with over 50 faculty participating in a dynamic, case-based and intensive program that was described as "life-changing" in post course reviews. The remainder of the program includes a weekend field simulation in a state park, a month long supervised field placement in a humanitarian setting, and ultimately, production of an academic work in humanitarian studies. The core requirements provide for a solid foundation in humanitarian studies while allowing for flexibility based on individual background and interest. With growing demand for training in global health and humanitarian action among the medical community, HSIR represents one of the few formal training programs in humanitarian intervention. Its unique combined training in research and fieldwork, as well as its use of Harvard's outstanding faculty and resources, will attract innovative thinkers to the challenging field of humanitarian intervention.
Applications to the HSIR program takes place yearly in late fall. Residents and fellows from all specialties are encouraged to apply. Applicants must be able to complete the 2-year program and have the support from their residency or fellowship director. Each residency or fellowship program contributes tuition for each participant in the comprehensive 2-year program. In addition, the course by itself if available to selected applicants who are unable to complete the 2 year program. More information
MGH Center for Global Health
The Center for Global Health is part of the Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) and builds upon the hospital’s long and distinguished history of international work and humanitarian assistance. The Center aims to be a "hub" for global health for the hospital, and to support the myriad MGH-led activities around the world. Its focus on education and training in global health serves as an invaluable resource to resident initiatives in the international arena. More information
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