Global Health Residency Elective and Track

We support clinicians in becoming leaders in addressing global health disparities by developing, strengthening and refining skills as humble, effective practitioners in resource-challenged settings. We focus on clinical stewardship, medical education and quality improvement in the context of long-term, local partnerships.

Global Health Residency Elective

This elective is available to Internal Medicine residents in PGY2 or PGY3 year, during “Area of Concentration (AOC)” time. Applications are required. Our main site is Scottish Livingstone Hospital in Botswana.

Up to 6 consecutive weeks abroad (4 weeks + 2 weeks vacation) in Botswana.
Must participate in 40% of Global Health Curricular sessions in the academic year of their travel.
Lead rounds, engage in clinical teaching at bedside while at SLH.
Give at least 2 formal didactics to med-students, interns and/or SLH medical staff.
Opportunity to engage in longitudinal quality improvement projects at SLH.
Mentorship by program director, country director and global health fellows.
Up to $1,500 travel reimbursement for BIDMC medicine residents.

Additional locations: Residents may also seek domestic global health experiences through the Indian Health Service or at BIDMC-affiliated community health centers. Residents have completed global health electives in Vietnam and Gabon, though these require approval on a case-by-case basis.

Global Health Residency Track

Learning how to work effectively in resource-limited settings requires both training and experience. The Global Health Track offers both within a traditional 3-year internal medicine residency training program.

Available to residents starting PGY-2 year, application required mid-PGY-1 year.
Attend Global Health Delivery (Summer) Intensive course at the Harvard TD Chan School of Public Health in July of PGY2.
Up to 12 weeks in two global health opportunities; up to six weeks abroad each (four weeks + two weeks vacation) – one during PGY2, one during PGY 3 year. One elective must be in Botswana.
Attend at least 70% Global Health Curriculum Series in PGY2 and PGY3 year.
Lead rounds and engage in clinical teaching at bedside while at SLH.
Give at least 2 formal didactics to medical students, interns and/or SLH medical staff.
Opportunity to engage in longitudinal quality improvement projects.
Mentorship by program director, country director and global health fellows.
Up to $1,500 travel reimbursement per global health elective.

Global Health Program Photos

A BIDMC resident with a care team at Scottish Livingstone Hospital in Botswana.

A clinic entrance in Botswana.

A BIDMC resident with local women in Botswana.

Global Health faculty with local health professionals in Gabon.

Global Health Faculty and local staff in Vietnam.

A team of BIDMC and local healthcare professionals in Vietnam.