141st APHA Annual Meeting

In This section

288171
Integrated experiential learning pilot program for global health undergraduate students

Monday, November 4, 2013 : 11:10 AM - 11:30 AM

Brittany Seymour, DDS, MPH , Harvard Global Health Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA
Glaudine Mtshali, MBBCh, LLB, MBA , Harvard Global Health Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA
Objective: In response to the growing student interest in global health, the Harvard Global Health Institute (HGHI) sponsored a pilot program targeted for undergraduates. The aim of the program was to integrate classroom learning plus faculty and peer support with practical field experiences in order to better prepare students to become competent global citizens. Methods: Literature reviews and current university program assessments were performed. Focus groups with students and faculty experts from public health, international development, medicine and dentistry, law, language, ethics, and psychology informed the program design. Select curriculum modules were piloted for feedback and modifications prior to program implementation. Results: A pioneering interdisciplinary program for undergraduates was developed and delivered over 2012. The program integrated global health didactic and experiential opportunities to provide students with educational and practical skills, values, and knowledge in order to maximize student experiences locally and abroad and to enhance student experiential learning. Case studies, and interactive large and small group reasoning considered issues such as cultural sensitivity, self-awareness, communications, language, ethics in global health settings, and issues of health and safety in an unfamiliar environment. Over 100 students in all participated while 30 faculty and facilitators from across Harvard University co-taught the program. Conclusions: The program pilot was well reviewed. Student interest has doubled since implementation. Moving forward, new components include health and human rights, community collaboration, and peer advisory networking. Future challenges include engaging large numbers of students from a variety of disciplines and experience levels using sustainable, long-term methods.

Learning Areas:
Public health or related education

Learning Objectives:
Describe one process used to develop, implement, and evaluate an integrated and interdisciplinary program designed to enhance student learning and performance in global health related endeavors. List knowledge, skills, and values that are empirically believed to contribute to and thus better prepare students interested in global health. Discuss challenges confronting faculty in addressing the growing number of students engaging in global health activities.

Keywords: Field Experience, Public Health Curriculum

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I specialize in global health curriculum development and evaluation for undergraduate and graduate students. I have published several education articles and book chapters related to global and public health education and curriculum development, including one for the American Journal of Public Health. I have worked directly with the Harvard Global Health Institute on curriculum development since fall 2011.
Any relevant financial relationships? No

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.