ISC: Global Health

School of Medicine

In this international clinical rotation, students have a unique opportunity to gain a deep hands-on understanding of health care in resource-constrained settings through the lenses of population science, health systems, health policy, and other fields related to global health and international development. Students spend the entirety of the course at one of Vanderbilts partner sites in locations around the world, including but not limited to Guatemala, Jordan, Kenya, and Peru (students may also propose an alternative site). Clinical sites range from urban teaching hospitals to rural clinics and often include associated community health outreach programs. Once on-site, students participate in rotations designed based on the students' interests and site mentorship. During the rotation, students complete weekly online modules that introduce key concepts in global health and related foundational sciences. Foundational science topics include population health science, public health, pathology and pathophysiology (for infectious diseases and non-communicable diseases), and health systems sciences (other foundational science areas are covered depending on the site). The course is taught through digital lectures; peer-reviewed journal articles; on-site exposures to patients, health systems, and communities; and distance mentoring sessions with Vanderbilt faculty. Prior to departure, students complete digital pre-departure modules and attend an orientation session to prepare for immersion. Through this course, students often hone foreign language skills and develop lasting partnerships in a cross-cultural setting with our international colleagues.