The Office of Global Health Education (OGHE) provides medical students at Ohio State with the opportunity to learn about global health issues through didactic, self-study and participatory learning with the focus on developing nations.
We share the universal goal of improving the quality of life for individuals and communities, whether in Columbus or Swaziland.The task ahead is a difficult one - - AIDS deaths continue to multiply in Africa, India and Eastern Europe, diseases like West Nile are re-emerging in North America, malaria claims millions of lives each year in developing countries, and much conflict still divides our world. But it's also a time of great opportunity - new research discoveries, medications, and health education campaigns are making a difference. Our vision is to constantly foster a spirit of service, cultural appreciation, and global partnership that ultimately will help lessen the burden of disease.
At OSU, fourth-year medical students have the opportunity to participate in a Global Health Elective (GHE) at an international site for which they receive credit and funding. Students expand their health care knowledge by spending 1-2 months in a developing nation providing patient care at a rural clinic, hospital, or community health program. It is our hope that these experiences will foster a spirit of service, cultural appreciation, and global partnership that ultimately will help lessen the burden of disease worldwide, particularly among those most vulnerable.
Creating new, multidisciplinary educational programs that will foster global health research and education is the driving force behind the creation of OSU’s first Graduate Interdisciplinary Specialization in Global Health (GISGH). Upon completion of the program they will receive formal recognition of such study on their transcript. The interdisciplinary nature of the coursework will give students the opportunity to combine their knowledge of individual health with a study of population health through the College of Public Health or a better understanding of disease transmission from animals to humans via courses in the College of Veterinary Medicine.
By forging partnerships, pursuing knowledge, and appreciating diversity, we can all raise our understanding of global health concerns and work in concert to improve the quality of life for all.
In good health,
Daniel Sedmak, MD
Director, Office of Global Health Education
Senior Associate Vice President for Health Sciences