IGHS Education

Educating the next generation of global health leaders is central to the mission of UCSF Institute for Global Health Sciences (IGHS). Guided by the vision of founder Haile Debas and propelled by the widespread interest and enthusiasm of students and trainees, IGHS has been a leader in establishing the field of global health sciences as an academic discipline.

We provide interdisciplinary coursework, research training, and invaluable field experiences to our students, and have hundreds of graduates who are addressing critical health challenges around the world. IGHS offered the nation’s first global health master’s degree; developed innovative education programs for health professionals, basic scientists, and international scholars; and launched a PhD program that awarded UCSF's first doctorates in global health sciences in 2019.

IGHS collaborates with faculty in UCSF’s four professional schools (Medicine, Nursing, Pharmacy, and Dentistry) and the Graduate Division to teach in our programs, build a global health education network, and foster a global perspective for all UCSF students, residents, fellows, post-docs, and faculty members. IGHS also partners with other institutions and international organizations to design education programs for specific needs and locations.

Current programs

Our People

Leadership and Administration

Faculty and Curriculum Support Staff

Student Affairs

  • Minerva Lee, Education Programs Assistant
  • Darlene Mergillano, MS, Graduate Affairs Officer
  • Tammy Spath, Outreach and External Relations Officer

Our Organization

Our Partners