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Global Health Leadership Track (GHLT)

Track & Curriculum

Dr. Sullivan in UgandaOur Global Health Curriculum is a competitive Specialized Training Track. Initially a collaboration between the Internal Medicine and Family Medicine departments, it is now a multi-disciplinary track that includes residency programs across the UVA Health System. The directors of the GHLT see global health as the goal of bringing good health to those medically underserved worldwide.  That can mean being interested in caring for the medically underserved in the US, caring for refugees and other immigrants, or traveling to international locations with limited health resources.

Residents have opportunities for international research and clinical electives in cooperation with the UVA Center for Global Health. Our most active elective sites are in Guatemala, Uganda, and South Africa, but other sites we visited include Kenya, Honduras, Bangladesh, and more. During the clinical electives, residents learn about diseases relevant to the local population, experience a different healthcare system, and discover a new culture in a safe, appropriately supervised environment. Residents contribute to the academic learning environment at partner sites by attending and leading teaching conferences; upon their return, they are expected to present their experience to the UVA Department of Medicine.

Residents apply for positions during the intern year. Currently, 2 to 4 internal medicine residents are accepted annually. The local didactic curriculum extends through the PGY-2 and PGY-3 years. Residents from many departments come together for discussions in monthly journal clubs or attend dinners with invited speakers. Two-week intensive courses are offered each January. The first is on global health policy and practice, and the second is infectious disease-focused, examining diseases of burden in low and middle-income countries. Residents also have the opportunity to work in a Travelers ID clinic and the local Refugee Clinic.

Resident Testimonials