Our residents have participated in numerous global health experiences. Many residents spend time at established sites through Indian Health Service (USA), Malawi, Tanzania and the Dominican Republic, as well as Guatemala in partnership with the UC Family Medicine Program. In addition, we have had residents participate in designer rotations across the world in Indonesia, China, Malawi, Tanzania, Kenya, Swaziland, South Africa, Kenya, Ghana, Nepal, India, Mexico, and Peru.

While not a requirement for participation in a global health elective, Med-Peds residents also have the option to apply to the Global Health Pathway through the pediatric residency program and will have access to the new Global Health Pathway through the internal medicine program. The Pathways provide dedicated curricula woven longitudinally into residency through regular meetings, journal clubs, and dedicated mentorship. While you are away on a global health elective, your salary and benefits are covered. In addition, in some cases, air fare is covered as well!

There is money available to Med-Peds residents during the 2nd and 4th years, as well as an additional Global Health Fund available to those who are part of the Global Health Pathways. There is also an institutional global health research grant available to residents through the GROW award. Additionally, we encourage residents to apply for National and Regional AAP grants!

You can read more about their stories below.

“I was fortunate enough to be able to spend a month at the Zuni Comprehensive Community Health Center as part of my global health elective. The Zuni Pueblo in New Mexico is home to descendants of the Ancient Pueblo Peoples of New Mexico, Arizona, Southern Colorado and Utah. They have a rich and beautiful culture that spans across hundreds of years. The health center is located on the Zuni reservation and it serves the local Zuni peoples as well as the surrounding Diné from the Navajo Nation. As a med-peds resident rotator, I had the opportunity to work in emergency medicine & triaging, urgent care, hospital medicine, primary care, newborn care, and adolescent/teen health. It was an eye-opening experience and a fantastic exposure to rural-based medicine!”

- Kristen Peterson, Class of 2024

“My time in Malawi was one of humility and joy and partnership. I loved working and learning with the Malawian residents, caring for patients with them, sharing my experiences and learning from theirs. And how beautiful it was to return to a place where I served as a Peace Corps volunteer a decade earlier as a doctor.”

- Grace Howard, Class of 2025