2008-2009 Global Health Scholars Program

Exploring the challenges facing
displaced populations around the world

This year, the Global Health Scholars Program curriculum will focus on Humanitarian Assistance and Displaced Populations. This comprehensive 8-month long program is designed to allow promising, motivated health professional students to develop advanced advocacy, communication, and critical thinking skills with which to effect change in global health. The Scholars will be guided through critical analyses of existing literature and policies on global health through readings and discussions with peers and international leaders in the field. The Scholars will be given the opportunity to apply what they learn through advocacy, writings, and peer education.

TOPICS

Some suggested topics that will be studied this year include:

• Forced migration and human security
• Coping with vulnerability
• Gender and culture in complex emergencies
• Public health operations in war

REQUIREMENTS

I. Conference calls with leaders in the field
- Participants will engage with international leaders in the field with conference calls throughout the year.

II. Reading and discussion of journal articles and books
- Readings will entail one article or short piece every month, or one book every two months.
- Participants must post at least 400 words of commentary, discussion, or reflection for each article, or 600 words for each book to the GHSP blog (http://amsaghsp0809.blogspot.com/).
- Mentors will call each scholar at least once per month to check in, discuss the reading, give feedback on the program, etc.

III. Advocating in local community
- Each participant will put on at least one advocacy-related event during the 8-month program on a topic of interest related to the program’s theme and post a 300 word summary of the event to the blog.

IV. Education of communities and peers
- Each participant will put on at least one educational event during the 8-month program on a topic of interest related to the program’s theme, and post a 300 word summary of the event to the blog.

V. Publishing opportunities
- Each participant will submit at least one article on a topic of interest related to the program’s theme to The New Physician, Global Pulse (AMSA’s Global Health Journal), Medical Student International (IFMSA’s Journal), Lancet Student, or another credible publication.

VI. Attendance at National Convention
- Attendance at National Convention (March 11-15, 2009, Washington, DC) is required for recognition of completion of the program. Scholars will be recognized for their accomplishments at the Global Health Mixer.

SUPPORT

Every Scholar will be assigned a mentor to help guide them through the program’s requirements and expectations. These mentors bring with them experience in the elements of research, advocacy, clinical care, activism and praxis relevant to global health. The Global Health Scholar is also expected to utilize the many resources and people available within AMSA. These individuals include, but are not limited to the Jack Rutledge Legislative Director, the Director of Student Programming, as well as the Global Health Action Committee and AIDS Advocacy Network leaders. The main contact for the Global Health Scholars will be Laura Janneck, the Global Health Education Coordinator. Any questions regarding specific requirements, timeline, general connections to resources, etc. should initially be directed to her.

WHO SHOULD APPLY?

Health professional students with a focused interest in global health issues and in applying a scholarly approach to global health disparities. This program is designed to guide future leaders in global health and human rights, and thus aims to identify motivated, creative, thoughtful students. Because of the time commitment required, it is anticipated that most applicants will be in their pre-clinical years, but students of any year are encouraged to apply. The Global Health Scholar must be a member of AMSA at the start of the program.

APPLICATION INFORMATION

To apply, please do the following:

1. Complete the online application.

2. Email your CV, no longer than 3 pages, to amsa.ghe@gmail.com. In the subject line, please write "CV- last name, first name" eg. "CV-Janneck, Laura".

3. Once we have received the completed application and CV, you will receive an email from PayPal requesting the $10 application fee. This fee goes toward funding for the Scholars' local projects.

If you have questions, contact Laura Janneck, AMSA's Global Health Education Coordinator at Laura.Janneck@gmail.com.

The application deadline is September 18, 2008 at 11:59 pm Pacific Standard Time.

Finalists will be selected for phone interviews that will occur on September 22 and 23. Final decisions will be announced September 24. There is a $10 application fee, which goes towards funding for the Scholars' local projects.

*If you are not a member of AMSA, you may apply, however, if accepted you must be a member of AMSA to participate in the Global Health Scholars Program.*