Tuesdays, 1:00 - 4:00 pm

Course Co-directors

Madhavi Dandu M.D., M.P.H.
John L. Ziegler, M.D., M.Sc.
Teaching Assistants: Cara Frigand, M.S., Rob Salerno, M.S.

The seminar complements the required course material and offers an opportunity to 1) build skills sets relevant to global health practice and leadership; 2) learn from global health practitioners; and 3) develop and conduct individual fieldwork projects in global health, either locally or internationally. There are three sections to the seminar (fall, winter, and summer), and each quarterly section has individual content developed by the faculty and the students collaboratively to assure that the specific needs of students in the practical application of Competencies: are met. To the extent possible, seminar content will map to the courses being taught in the given quarter and to relevant current events in global health. The primary early aim of the seminar is to introduce students to fieldwork option, fully develop project plans, and learn how to analyze and present project outcomes.

Course credit

1.5 units per quarter fall and winter, and 3 units in the summer

Competencies: (203A, 203B, 203C):

Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:

GHS 203A (fall quarter)

• Understand the application of epidemiologic, anthropologic, economic, and qualitative assessment tools to the study of major global health problems
• Explain the trans-disciplinary approach to global health problems and give examples
• Conduct a thorough literature search and document citations appropriately
• Incorporate an ethical approach to planning global health interventions
• Incorporate material from the content courses into development of a fieldwork project to be conducted in the spring quarter
• Develop mastery in the background and application of the fieldwork study topic
• Identify and establish a local field site mentor and arrange in advance the elements of the field experience, learning objectives, and evaluation of performance
• Perfect scientific writing skills with the aim of publication
• Plan and design a scientifically sound research protocol or global health internship, developing background, specific aims and methods
• Develop and improve leadership skills in: communication; public speaking and presentation skills; leading a seminar; debating; negotiating; project management and decision making

GHS 203B (winter quarter)

• Complete a finished research or internship proposal including background, specific aims, methods, anticipated problems and their solution, data collection and management, sample size, ethical concerns, informed consent (if appropriate), analytic techniques, comprehensive bibliography, timeline and budget
• Review and write down with a mentor the specific aims, goals and learning objectives for fieldwork or internship
• Present, justify and defend the protocol before a review panel of peers and faculty
• Correspond with collaborators in the field project, describing the protocol, the aims of the study, logistical measures, budgets, and practicalities of accomplishing the work in a 10-week period to establish connections and expectations well in advance
• As appropriate, draft a formal letter of agreement (memorandum of understanding) with the host country mentor or organization, stating the purpose and duration of research, the bilateral benefits expected, and the outcomes, including any publications and authorship
• Arrange any formalities and paperwork with the host country in advance regarding visa status, clinical privileges, paperwork, registration, or licensure
• Develop and submit a project budget

GHS 203C (summer quarter and fieldwork review)

• Deliver a professional presentation on the outcomes and potential applications of fieldwork project and demonstrate proficiency in oral communication
• Comprehend practical limitations of collaborative work in global health research, service, or policy
• Demonstrate the attitudes and skills appropriate to leadership and mastery of global health problems and their solutions
• Show how to solve a problem that obstructs a research or implementation plan (e.g. ethical concerns, logistical problems, personnel difficulties)
• Describe and demonstrate the leadership skills necessary for a career in global health, including how to acquire these skills and how they can be practiced in the global health environment
• Identify individual leaders in the field of global health who “made a difference”

Course Content:

• Develop and execute a plan for data management and analysis of the fieldwork project, culminating in a final scholarly capstone project to be presented before faculty and peers.
• Draft a well organized and convincing background and significance section for your fieldwork project using a thorough literature search and with appropriate citations
• Build skills in structured seminars using role-play and real-world scenarios
• Demonstrate clear and effective oral and written communication
• Be able to critically analyze a research or policy paper or a program plan
• Develop skill in chairing a committee, setting an agenda, keeping to time
• Form a brainstorming team and problem-solve one element of a program design
• Run a focus group
• Conduct a needs analysis or a rapid assessment plan
• Demonstrate the knowledge and skills needed to conduct program monitoring and evaluation
• Learn the management skills to make decisions under pressure, frame a debate, and provide a “one minute elevator” statement that would support or refute a particular health policy