Global Health Program

The Global Health Program is dedicated to promoting health equality locally and internationally through strategic partnerships with other countries. A key focus of the program is the development of best practices and culturally informed care, which is crucial in our increasingly diverse global healthcare landscape. This program has forged a strong partnership with NSK Hospital, the Oltrumet Hospital in Arusha, Tanzania and the K2 Foundation.

Program requirements

Annual rotations
1. NSK Hospital and affiliate clinic in Arusha, Tanzania
2. This is a two-week primary and specialty care rotation
Bi-Monthly telemedicine case conferences
1. Collaborate with the Medical Council of Tanganyika
2. ECHO Model of Experiential Learning
Annual live (virtual) symposia with host sites
1. Showcase scholarship
2. Joint program evaluation and improvement for the next cycle

Eligibility

HonorHealth Residents and Fellows (PGY 2 and higher) in good standing with their program and within Academic Affairs are eligible to apply for the Global Health program.

Who should apply

This course is designed for residents and fellows genuinely interested in global health and caring for medically underserved populations. It offers a unique experience to explore different cultures, witness a different spectrum of diseases and understand the challenges of caring for the sick in areas with constrained resources. Many people find these experiences meaningful and transformative during training. However, global health experiences can be deeply challenging and much different from what people are used to in the U.S. Applicants must be realistic about this before applying to the program.

Applicant characteristics and selection criteria

Demonstrate a genuine interest in global health and care of the medically underserved.
Exhibit professionalism, responsibility, maturity, independence, flexibility, humility and cultural sensitivity.
Possess realistic expectations about the challenges of living and training in a resource-limited setting, including staffing and equipment.

Requirements for passing

Complete the pre-travel training sessions, reading assignments and other prep work as assigned.
Complete the two-week clinical rotation.
Submit a two to four-page report reflecting on how this experience informed your understanding of the provision of care within the U.S.
Team presentation of project experience to peers and faculty.
Follow-up engagement with the host site by leading at least one case conference or CME event during the academic year.
Complete a research or quality improvement project with the host site through ResQIPS (e.g., interventions to help mitigate and manage chronic diseases treated in medical mission trip clinics, implement WHO patient safety checklist).

May 2023 HonorHealth site visits to Tanzania and Kenya

In May 2023, HonorHealth conducted three site visits to Tanzania and Kenya to assess potential locations for resident and fellow placements. The evaluation team included a fellowship program director, a family medicine resident, an Academic Affairs administrator and a project coordinator. They assessed the facilities, alignment of goals, safety, community needs and onsite clinical and support staff to establish a long-term partnership for our Graduate Medical Education programs.

Our HonorHealth team embarked on a transformative journey from Phoenix to Nairobi, filled with excitement and anticipation as they prepared to explore new horizons and enhance medical practices in communities in need.

Talek Community Health Center, Kenya

One of our first stops was the Talek Community Health Center, one of three clinics serving the Maasai community. This vital clinic registers about 12,000 patients annually, averaging 90 per day, despite having only two physicians. The center provides inpatient and maternity wards, consultation rooms, labs, diagnostic imaging and a pharmacy. It is expanding with a new pediatric center featuring telemedicine capabilities. This aims to improve maternal and infant mortality rates, control HIV spread, enhance vaccination compliance and address teen pregnancy and drug use. Additionally, the clinic offers certification for teens to attend university at minimal cost.

NSK Hospital, Arusha, Tanzania

Next, we arrived at NSK Hospital in Arusha. Built in 2016 by a fourth-generation Indian Tanzanian family, NSK is a private for-profit hospital addressing community needs. Initially starting with outpatient imaging diagnostics and lab services, the hospital now boasts a primary care facility, an inpatient facility, three ORs, a four-bed ICU, an ER, a NICU and a 50-bed ward capacity. NSK is well-equipped with modern amenities and state-of-the-art equipment, supported by a team of 20 doctors.

Prosthetic clinic - K2 Foundation partnership

One of the highlights of our visit was the Prosthetic Clinic, supported by the K2 Foundation. This clinic provides leg prostheses to lower extremity amputation patients free of charge. To date, over 50 prosthetic limbs have been provided through a word-of-mouth program. Patients are measured, and prosthetics are built and fitted on-site with a remarkable three-hour turnaround time. Witnessing the joy and mobility restored to these patients was incredibly moving and underscored the profound impact of this initiative.