About Global Health Scholars
The Global Health Scholars (GHS) program at Dartmouth's Geisel School of Medicine is dedicated to the study of healthcare across cultures and borders. The program now offers two complementary tracks: the Scholar’s Interest Group, a pre-clerkship co-curricular group that introduces students to global health topics and community partnerships, and the Pathway of Distinction, a comprehensive four-year curriculum that provides advanced training, mentorship, and research opportunities. Together, these tracks allow students to explore global health at varying levels of depth and commitment while building the skills to become community-responsive physician leaders.
Scholar’s Interest Group
The Scholar’s Interest Group is a pre-clerkship co-curricular group open to all students interested in exploring global health. Under the guidance of a faculty advisor, the group supports students in developing the skills to become community-responsive global physician leaders.
Students participate in workshops, discussions, and community engagement opportunities such as:
- Project Salud - student-run initiative that brings health care to agricultural employees.
- Community Vaccine Clinics – student-run flu vaccination efforts for Upper Valley residents
- The Haven Shelter – supporting community members facing housing insecurity and poverty
- Upper Valley Human Rights Clinic – assisting clinicians with forensic evaluations for asylum seekers
Interest Group members are encouraged to keep a reflection journal of their experiences to strengthen future applications to the Pathway of Distinction.
Pathway of Distinction
The Pathway of Distinction builds on the Interest Group and provides an opportunity for continued professional growth through a four-year structured curriculum. Each phase has specific requirements and opportunities:
- Phase 1 (Pre-clinical): 80% attendance at meetings, community engagement, immersion trip, scholarly pursuit (e.g., CSL, poster presentation).
- Phase 2: Participation in at least one clinical rotation at a site serving larger immigrant or refugee populations; capstone project.
- Phase 3: Advanced clinical elective in a global setting or relevant field for at least 4 weeks; capstone project presentation; ongoing engagement with monthly meetings.
This pathway offers mentorship, didactics, immersive field experiences, and opportunities for students to present research and advocacy work at conferences.