Training Physicians to Serve, Lead, and Innovate Across the Globe
| The Global Health Equity Pathway of Concentration at the Geisel School of Medicine is a four-year, co-curricular program designed to prepare medical students to become globally minded, ethically grounded, and culturally responsive physician leaders equipped to address persistent and widening health inequities. Grounded in the belief that health is a fundamental human right, the Pathway builds on a foundation of engagement with the Global Health Scholars interest group and complements the medical school curriculum through a longitudinal, scaffolded experience integrating cross-cultural clinical training, ethical partnership, community-based service, scholarly inquiry, and leadership development. Organized around four foundational pillars—Longitudinal Curriculum, Competency-Based Learning, Immersive Clinical Experience, and a Community-Engaged Scholarly Project—the program cultivates expertise across four core domains and guides students through progressive phases from M1 to M4, culminating in advanced scholarship and senior leadership. Through its innovative two-tier structure and alignment with existing institutional programs, the Pathway prepares graduates to lead with skill, humility, and resilience while advancing health equity in diverse global and local contexts. |  👉 Program Guide👉 Student Checklist 👉 SharePoint (current students) |
🧭 Mission
The Global Health Equity (GHE) Pathway is a four-year, co-curricular initiative that supports medical students in becoming globally minded and culturally responsive physician leaders. The Pathway is dedicated to advancing health equity for diverse populations through immersive learning experiences, development of cross-cultural clinical competency, ethical engagement, leadership training, advocacy, and scholarship, all conducted in close collaboration with international and local partners.
🔭 Vision
We envision a future where health is recognized as a human right, and all communities, regardless of geography or resources, have equitable access to high-quality, culturally responsive healthcare. This future will be advanced by skilled, dedicated, and ethically grounded physician leaders who can navigate complex health systems and partner effectively with communities. We will create a sustainable and impactful pathway that supports the personal and professional development of medical students, ensuring they are well-prepared to serve and lead in a globalized world.
Core Graduate Competencies
Upon completion of the Global Health Equity Pathway, students will demonstrate proficiency across core competencies that enable them to deliver equitable, culturally responsive care, engage ethically with communities, and lead effectively in complex health systems.
-
Globally-Minded, Resourceful Clinician - Provides effective care in resource-limited and culturally diverse environments.
-
Ethical Cross-Cultural Partner - Builds equitable, community-driven partnerships grounded in cultural humility.
-
Global Health Systems Advocate - Understands and engages with health systems to advance equity and access.
-
Resilient Leader and Scholar - Leads with adaptability, reflection, and scholarly rigor in complex settings.
Global Health Clinical Elective
The Center for Global Health Equity offers fourth-year Global Health Equity Pathway students a four-week clinical or research training opportunity through bilateral medical student exchange programs.
| Location | Elective | Experience | Funding & Support |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chongqing, China MEDI-558 |
Chongqing Clinical Elective in Global Health Mandatory Pre-Departure Tasks |
Work with an inpatient care team at Chongqing Medical University (CQMU) teaching hospitals to diagnose and treat general medical or pediatric patients. Elective areas include OB/GYN, surgery, internal medicine, pediatrics, and multiple medical subspecialties.
Students gain experience with disease profiles, public health challenges, healthcare systems, resource allocation, and cultural differences in care delivery. |
Up to $2,000 for travel costs and immunization fees. CQMU provides student apartment housing and on-site meals.
Timing: |
| Dar es Salaam, Tanzania MEDI-606 |
Ford von Reyn Research Elective in Global Health Mandatory Pre-Departure Tasks |
Conduct clinical research at the DarDar site in association with ongoing HIV-associated tuberculosis studies involving adults or children. Activities may include study design, data collection, and data analysis.
Students learn about collaborative HIV/TB research, Good Clinical Practice (GCP) trials, and clinical data collection and validation. |
$3,500 stipend covering airfare, ground transportation, housing, registration fees, necessary immunizations, and malaria prophylaxis.
Timing: |
| Dar es Salaam, Tanzania MEDI-550 |
James Strickler Clinical Elective in Global Health Mandatory Pre-Departure Tasks |
Assist with diagnostic evaluation and patient care at Muhimbili National Hospital. Students gain experience with tropical disease, acute complications of HIV, HIV management, and sociocultural issues surrounding HIV care and treatment.
Students also present a case-based Internal Medicine lecture to MNH students, residents, and faculty. |
$3,500 stipend covering airfare, ground transportation, housing, registration fees, necessary immunizations, and malaria prophylaxis.
Timing: |
| Kigali, Rwanda MEDI-560 |
University of Rwanda – College of Medicine and Health Mandatory Pre-Departure Tasks |
Participate in the diagnosis, care, and treatment of patients with communicable and noncommunicable diseases at a national tertiary care facility.
Students explore social determinants of health, health system factors affecting care delivery, and challenges common to resource-limited settings. |
$3,500 stipend covering airfare, ground transportation, housing, registration fees, necessary immunizations, and malaria prophylaxis.
Timing: |
Pre-Departure Requirements
All Global Health Equity Pathway students must complete the CGHE pre-departure requirements and any host institution onboarding tasks at least 1–2 months before stipends can be disbursed and travel can begin.
| Leadership & Administration | |||
 Faculty Advisor Lisa V. Adams, MD |
 Pathways Director Terri Eastman, MEd |
 Global Health Pathway Coordinator Tecla Coleman, MS, RD, MPH |
|
| Student Leaders | |||
 Arpie Bakhshian, Class of 2029 |
 Zorica Radanovic, Class of 2029 |
 Kyra Lee, Class of 2028 |
 Mia Jimenez, Class of 2028 |
 Taylor Miller, Class of 2027 |
 Noor Zaghlula, Class of 2027 |
||