International Programs
Global Health Scholars Track
The Global Health Scholars Track (GHST) is a comprehensive, four-year curriculum in global health that is integrated into the Scholarship and Discovery curriculum at the University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine. Recognizing that true competence in global health requires more than clinical skill, the GHST curriculum draws upon disciplines throughout the University and exposes students to other critical fields including epidemiology, biostatistics, economics, sociology, anthropology, law, ethics, and human rights. The GHST combines didactic, seminar, clinical and research components with the goal of providing students the skills to function more effectively in any global setting, working not only with individual patients, but with health systems and institutions.
All Pritzker students will have the opportunity to partake in global health education experiences during their four years at Pritzker. Selection of GHST participants will be based on a written application, an interview with the GHST faculty and identification of a suitable mentor. Brian Callender, MD, Assistant Professor of Medicine and John Schneider, MD, MPH, Assistant Professor of Medicine and Health Studies lead the program under the guidance of the Associate Dean for Global Health and the Global Health Initiative Steering Committee.
Core Components of the Global Health Scholars Track:
- GHST Lecture Series
This lecture exposes students to a variety of topics about global health issues. Lecturers include both University of Chicago faculty members and guest faculty. For a listing of upcoming events, please visit GHST Lecture Series. - Required First-Year Topical Elective
As a component of the Scholarship & Discovery curriculum, students in the GHST are required to enroll in a track-specific elective during the spring quarter of their first year. Currently, the GHST offers two track-specific electives: Global Public Health, Global HIV/STD and Community Outreach. - International Experience
Students enrolled in the GHST participate in two international experiences, primarily at sites developed and approved by faculty on the basis of research infrastructure, clinical opportunities, and faculty supervision. The first international experience is completed after the student's first year and is designed to introduce students to the challenges of conducting research and practicing clinical medicine in resource-limited settings. Students may work with a faculty member and participate in the Summer Research Program (SRP), Human Rights Program Fellowship, Keith Edson Scholarship or an individually-designed option (with faculty approval). The second international experience, to be completed during the student's fourth year, is meant to be a substantial experience that forms the basis of the student's scholarly project. Preparatory seminars and observational time in the Travel Clinic are required. Visit the GHST International Experience page for additional information about these experiences. - Mentorship
Students meet with various faculty who help them identify an area of interest. Students are then matched with mentors whose background and experiences align with the students' clinical and research interests. Students will work with their mentors throughout their four years. - Clinical Training
Students supplement their required medical school clinical curriculum by participating in local community health clinics that provide care to underserved and immigrant populations. - Final Projects
Students in the GHST track are required to complete a review paper and research proposal with pilot data by the end of their second year. The student's must complete their research project by the end of their fourth year.
