Medical Students
Learning, exploring, and gaining a global perspective
The Global Health Program (GHP) offers medical students diverse experiential learning opportunities that improve their knowledge, skills, and competency around health equity. Whether arriving with extensive global health experience or seeking a first exposure to the interdisciplinary field, students can choose among different global health paths and engage longitudinally within our existing partnerships related to research, medical education, clinical service, and public health programming.
These experiences inspire future leaders who will innovate and transform health in communities with the most limited access to care, both locally and globally. Our program utilizes a multidisciplinary approach to global health education, drawing from expertise within and outside of DGSOM, and includes training in social and structural determinants of health, research ethics, and public health and policy, while also exposing students to the tools required to advocate for health equity.
Longitudinal education embedded in equitable partnerships
Our philosophy is to ensure that students engage in socially responsible and ethical global health experiences that provide knowledge and skills in the areas of health equity research, clinical care, advocacy, and/or public health.
DGSOM is committed to fostering reciprocal partnerships with careful attention to local ownership, equity, and sustainability. At many sites, DGSOM students work alongside local medical trainees to facilitate peer learning.
I chose UCLA for medical school because of the Global Health Program. The Global Health Equity Pathway allowed me to live in Armenia for six months and work on a national primary care program! For me, being in-country for as long as possible and building on long-standing existing relationships is an...
Different ways to engage in global health
GHP offers multiple options for medical students opportunities for medical students to participate in global health at DGSOM. Students also can access resources for building research skills on our research resources webpage.
Global Health Equity Pathway
Intensive program that incorporates a longitudinal commitment to health equity activities—both locally and globally—throughout medical school. Includes Foundations for Discovery and Discovery Year based at a partner organization.
Global Health Concentration
Non-competitive program that allows students to gain in-depth knowledge regarding global health equity without committing to a global health-related Foundations for Discovery or Discovery Year. Open to all students; no application is necessary.
Global Health Selective
Learn moreGlobal Health Clinical Electives
Learn moreLeadership Opportunities
Learn moreNote: All DGSOM students are invited to participate in numerous Global Health Program opportunities and special events without being part of the Pathway or Concentration. This provides flexibility for students who want to explore global health without making a commitment to a long-term project and coursework.