Help care for children in a medically underserved part of the world.
Whether your objective is to help care for children in a medically underserved part of the world or simply to widen your exposure to other cultures and new healing methods, there are numerous opportunities to create an enriching global health elective through the UW Pediatric Residency program.
GLOBAL Pathway
Beginning in 2008, the GLOBAL (Global health Learning Opportunities Building Advocacy and Leadership skills) pathway of the UW/CHRMC Pediatrics Residency program will provide public health, clinical and research training opportunities for pediatric residents who intend to pursue careers in global health. This pathway will enhance the existing curriculum for all pediatric trainees to include an understanding of the primary determinants of child health among underserved communities throughout the world. Residents enrolled in the GLOBAL pathway will have more intensive training experiences in their R2 and R3 years. Using a combination of Seattle-based curriculum and global experiences, residents in this pathway will develop a significant understanding of underlying health issues and sustainable interventions in developing countries.
Currently, curriculum development and establishment of an international continuity site are under way. With the support and mentorship of a diverse group of faculty, residents will have opportunities to participate in research, service and educational experiences both in Seattle and abroad. Residents will apply for positions in the GLOBAL pathway in their R1 year, and spend two months as both R2s (Seattle-based) and R3s (international site) in the GLOBAL pathway.
Elective Opportunities
Many opportunities exist for all residents interested in exploring international health, from a 1 week trip at the end of internship, to a month away elective, to participation in the GLOBAL pathway. Like all elective time, the international health experience can be custom tailored to meet specific interests and educational requirements.
Recent examples of international health electives include experiences in Tanzania, Peru, Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Uganda, Ethiopia and Vietnam.
Former residents and faculty are good resources and sounding boards for designing a rewarding international health opportunity.
As an additional resource, the University of Washington now has the first Global Health department in the country that is a joint venture between the School of Medicine and the School of Public Health. Visit the Department of Global Health Web site for more details.
CHIMPS
Founded by pediatric residents in 2002, a group called CHIMPS (Children’s Health International Medical Project of Seattle) has traveled every year to the same clinic in Abelines, El Salvador, during the last week in June in an effort to create an ongoing, sustainable, cross-cultural relationship.
Most years 4-6 R1s, as well as faculty, medical students and community pediatricians travel to this remote region to partner with a local NGO and provide community-based health education during the last week in June (intern week off).
As the result of this work, two residents (Dr. Parmi Suchdev and Dr. Ellie Click) received the Anne E. Dyson Child Advocacy Award from the AAP in 2004.