Two global health pathway students in Nicaragua.
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Two global health pathway students in Nicaragua. Photo courtesy: Ashley Bieker and Cassie Iutizi.
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The Department of Global Health utilizes its expertise and commitment to provide education, training and mentoring, and to develop workforce capacity in medicine. We prioritize supporting domestic and international students in realizing their full potential in improving global health through three main programs for medical students. The Global Health Pathway (GHP), Global Health Immersion Program (GHIP), and Global Health Clinical Elective (GHCE).

At the University of Washington, diversity is integral to excellence. We value and honor diverse experiences and perspectives, strive to create welcoming and respectful learning environments, and promote access, opportunity and justice for all.

Opportunities for Medical Students

Select from the following:

global health pathway graduates
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Global health pathway graduates. Photo credit: Amelia Vader.
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The Global Health Pathway (GHP) is designed for medical students interested in careers dedicated to improving global health disparities. Students complete coursework, service projects, and international experiences.

Learn more about the Global Health Pathway.

Fan Lee with Nurse in Uganda
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GO Health Fellow and GHIP student Fan Lee in Uganda with her colleague, Nurse Kayunga.
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The Global Health Immersion Program (GHIP) is the UW's flagship global health program for preclinical medical students, and the only one of its kind in the country. It was created by medical students in collaboration with faculty and staff in response to requests to have a meaningful, field-based global health experience early in medical training. GHIP is an intensive, academically rigorous program for students who want to gain a first-hand understanding of the health challenges facing people in low- and middle-income countries.

Learn more about the Global Health Immersion Program.

The Global Health Clinical Elective (GHCE) provides opportunities for medical students to gain international clinical experience in their fourth year.  The GHCE began as a student-initiated project, which, over time was further developed through a unique collaboration between the UW Department of Global Health and the clinical departments of Medicine, Family Medicine, OB/GYN, and Pediatrics. It is listed as Conjoint 625, and has been approved as an official clinical elective by the UW School of Medicine. If you are a third year medical student at the University of Washington School of Medicine interested in applying for this program, plan on blocking off at least six consecutive weeks in winter or spring quarter during your fourth year schedule.

Learn more about the Global Health Clinical Elective.

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MD-MPH Track students Tara Ness and Zachary Liao in the classroom.
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Students in this track complete one full year (three academic quarters) of MPH coursework after the third year of medical school and a mentored thesis project that must be submitted and approved by the end of the fourth year of medical school.

Learn more about the MD-MPH Track.