Building practice and research efforts for students who wish to engage in Global Initiatives: The USC MPH Program as a Case Study

BACKGROUND: Many public health and medical students are interested in having an experience in global health. The Global Health Leadership Track is an integral part of the MPH program at the University of Southern California and the fastest growing track in our program. There has been an increasing trend in the number of students from multiple concentrations in public health, beyond Global Health, that wish to engage in international experiences. PURPOSE: This presentation presents our community-based participatory partnership model for education in global health. It has been used worldwide in providing students with meaningful learning opportunities and international experiences. METHODS: We work in individual, small group and large group efforts with up to 15 students. We develop working partnership between students, faculty, and public health agencies, with close monitoring and strong mentoring to achieve desired competencies. Our model includes environmental scanning, community engagement, implementation of short community intercept interventions, materials development, policy considerations, and evaluation at the local level. This is done with community input and international professional expert integration. RESULTS: Our students have engaged in meaningful and often transformative public and mental health experiences around the world that have helped advance and focused their careers, while leaving something of meaning behind. DISCUSSION: These global health experiences have furthered students' practical and/or research skills while enhancing the work of public health, and giving back to the community. This has been instrumental in preparing them for a career in public health with a global perspective.