The Practitioner’s Guide to Global Health from edX

Whether you’re considering a global health learning experience such as a clinical rotation, a research project, or volunteer work, or are preparing to work abroad, this is the course for you!

This 3-part timeline-based course, designed by a team of global health experts, will help you prepare for successful global health learning experiences. The course provides guidance for undergraduate and graduate students, medical trainees, and volunteers. In each part, you will have the opportunity to learn through interactive scenarios and discussion forums.

In Part 1 ( The Big Picture ), you will learn how to determine whether a global health learning experience is right for you, and if so, what, where, when, and how?

In Part 2 ( Preparation and on the Ground ), you will learn how to prepare for your global health learning experience and gain vital information about being there on-the-ground. You’ll learn how toarrange logistics, improve your security and cultural awareness and obtain guidance to limit health hazards. You’ll have the opportunity to create an appropriately inclusive yet “light” packing list. You will learn how to identify and manage common situations you may encounter on the ground, including personal and property safety risks, professional, ethical, and cultural issues, and the appropriate use of various modes of communication, including social media.

In Part 3 ( Reflection ), you will learn about “reverse culture shock” upon returning from a global health experience. You will learn how to identify strategies for effectively “reintegrating” into your home andwork life and how to effectively manage potential health issues upon return. In addition, you’ll learn how to effectively advocate for other individuals at your institution to identify clinical opportunities,educational opportunities and funding structures for future global health experiences.

In May 2017, The Practitioner’s Guide to Global Health course was awarded the following: Global Emergency Medicine Education Award, Global Emergency Medicine Academy, Society of AcademicEmergency Medicine Annual Meeting, Orlando, FL. This award honors a team that has worked to create sustainable education solutions, develop robust educational curriculum or other projects that encourage the growth and development of emergency physicians internationally.

Please note: This course is offered free of charge. Upon successful completion of each part, you will have the option to obtain a Credly(R) badge.

What's inside

Learning objectives

Identify and describe different types of global health rotations and projects and determine which ones provide the best fit for you.
Identify and make plans to address logistical issues including personal, health, family, financial and security concerns.
Learn practical strategies for an enriched educational experience to benefit you and your host community.

Identify and navigate professional, ethical, and cultural issues, as well as medical or mental health issues you may encounter.
Identify strategies for effectively “reintegrating” into your home and work life upon returning from a global health experience.
Successfully advocate for other individuals at your institution to identify clinical opportunities, educational opportunities and funding structures for future global health experiences.

Identify and describe different types of global health rotations and projects and determine which ones provide the best fit for you.
Identify and make plans to address logistical issues including personal, health, family, financial and security concerns.
Learn practical strategies for an enriched educational experience to benefit you and your host community.
Identify and navigate professional, ethical, and cultural issues, as well as medical or mental health issues you may encounter.
Identify strategies for effectively “reintegrating” into your home and work life upon returning from a global health experience.
Successfully advocate for other individuals at your institution to identify clinical opportunities, educational opportunities and funding structures for future global health experiences.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Suitable for a variety of students, from undergraduates to medical professionals, and volunteers

Focuses on planning, preparation, and reflection for global health experiences

Led by a team of global health experts

Provides practical strategies for enriching the educational experience

Addresses important issues of safety, ethics, and cultural sensitivity

Guides students in assessing the impact of their experiences and advocating for future opportunities

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in The Practitioner’s Guide to Global Health with these activities:

Review Human Body Systems

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Reviewing the different body systems will help you understand how the human body works as a whole and how different systems interact with each other.

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Read through your notes or textbook chapters on each body system.
Create a diagram or chart that summarizes the functions and components of each body system.
Test your understanding by taking a practice quiz or completing a review worksheet.

Join a Study Group

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Engaging in peer study groups can enhance your understanding through collaborative learning and discussions.

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Connect with classmates or fellow students to form a study group.
Establish regular meeting times and agree on topics to cover.
Take turns leading discussions, presenting summaries, or quizzing each other.

Volunteer at a Local Medical Clinic

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Volunteering at a medical clinic provides hands-on experience and allows you to apply your knowledge in a practical setting.

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Contact local medical clinics or organizations to inquire about volunteer opportunities.
Attend orientation and training sessions to prepare for your role.
Assist with tasks such as patient intake, data entry, or providing support to patients and families.

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Practice Calculating Patient Doses

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Practicing dosage calculations will help you develop proficiency in a fundamental skill for healthcare professionals.

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Find practice problems or use an online calculator to generate practice scenarios.
Calculate the dosage for each scenario, showing your work and using the correct units.
Check your answers against the provided answer key or consult with an instructor or tutor for feedback.

Read "Pathophysiology: The Biologic Basis for Disease in Adults and Children"

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Reading this comprehensive textbook will provide you with a solid understanding of the pathophysiological basis of diseases, which is essential for effective healthcare practice.

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Read each chapter thoroughly, taking notes and highlighting key concepts.
Complete the end-of-chapter review questions and case studies to test your understanding.
Discuss the concepts with classmates or a study group to further reinforce your learning.

Explore Advanced Wound Care Techniques

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By delving into advanced wound care techniques, you'll expand your knowledge and skills to manage complex wounds effectively.

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Search for online tutorials or workshops on advanced wound care.
Identify credible sources and resources that provide evidence-based information.
Follow the instructions and guidance provided in the tutorials to learn about new techniques and best practices.

Develop a Patient Education Plan

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Creating a patient education plan will allow you to apply your knowledge in health education and patient counseling.

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Choose a specific health condition or topic for your plan.
Research and gather evidence-based information on the condition.
Design your plan, including clear learning objectives, teaching strategies, and evaluation methods.
Review your plan with a healthcare professional or instructor for feedback.

Attend a Workshop on Cultural Competence in Healthcare

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Participating in a workshop will enhance your awareness of cultural factors that influence health and healthcare outcomes, enabling you to provide more equitable care.

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Identify and register for a workshop on cultural competence in healthcare.
Attend the workshop and actively participate in discussions and exercises.
Reflect on your learning and develop strategies to apply cultural competence principles in your practice.

Career center

Learners who complete The Practitioner’s Guide to Global Health will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Peace Corps Volunteer

Peace Corps volunteers work to promote peace and friendship between the United States and other countries. They may work on projects related to education, health, or economic development. The Practitioner’s Guide to Global Health will help you develop the skills you need to be successful in this field by providing you with a comprehensive overview of global health issues and the challenges facing health professionals working in developing countries.

See salaries and explore the career path for Peace Corps Volunteer

International Development Specialist

International development specialists work to improve the lives of people in developing countries. They may work on projects related to health, education, agriculture, or economic development. The Practitioner’s Guide to Global Health will help you develop the skills you need to be successful in this field by providing you with a comprehensive overview of global health issues and the challenges facing health professionals working in developing countries.

See salaries and explore the career path for International Development Specialist

Public Health Physician

Public health physicians work to prevent and control diseases and promote health in communities. They may work in government agencies, non-profit organizations, or private practice. The Practitioner’s Guide to Global Health will help you develop the skills you need to be successful in this field by providing you with a comprehensive overview of global health issues and the challenges facing health professionals working in developing countries.

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Medical Anthropologist

Medical anthropologists study the relationship between culture and health. They may work in academia, public health, or international development. The Practitioner’s Guide to Global Health will help you develop the skills you need to be successful in this field by providing you with a comprehensive overview of global health issues and the challenges facing health professionals working in developing countries.

See salaries and explore the career path for Medical Anthropologist

Missionary

Missionaries work to spread their religious beliefs and to provide humanitarian aid to people in need. They may work in developing countries or in their own countries. The Practitioner’s Guide to Global Health will help you develop the skills you need to be successful in this field by providing you with a comprehensive overview of global health issues and the challenges facing health professionals working in developing countries.

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Medical Director

Medical directors are responsible for the overall medical care of patients in a hospital or other healthcare setting. They may also be responsible for managing the hospital’s budget and staff. The Practitioner’s Guide to Global Health will help you develop the skills you need to be successful in this field by providing you with a comprehensive overview of global health issues and the challenges facing health professionals working in developing countries.

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Social Worker

Social workers help people to overcome social and economic challenges. They may work with individuals, families, or groups. The Practitioner’s Guide to Global Health will help you develop the skills you need to be successful in this field by providing you with a comprehensive overview of global health issues and the challenges facing health professionals working in developing countries.

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Diplomat

Diplomats are responsible for representing their countries abroad and promoting their interests. They need to be able to understand and adapt to different cultures, and to build relationships with people from all walks of life. The Practitioner’s Guide to Global Health will help you develop the skills you need to be successful in this field by providing you with a comprehensive overview of global health issues and the challenges facing health professionals working in developing countries.

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Health Policy Analyst

Health policy analysts develop and evaluate policies that affect the health of populations. They may work in government agencies, non-profit organizations, or private research firms. The Practitioner’s Guide to Global Health will help you develop the skills you need to be successful in this field by providing you with a comprehensive overview of global health issues and the challenges facing health professionals working in developing countries.

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Global Health Researcher

Global health researchers conduct research on health issues that affect people around the world. They may work on topics such as infectious diseases, chronic diseases, or health systems. The Practitioner’s Guide to Global Health will help you develop the skills you need to be successful in this field by providing you with a comprehensive overview of global health issues and the challenges facing health professionals working in developing countries.

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Physician Assistant

Physician assistants work with physicians to provide care to patients. They may perform a variety of tasks, including taking medical histories, performing physical exams, and prescribing medications. The Practitioner’s Guide to Global Health will help you develop the skills you need to be successful in this field by providing you with a comprehensive overview of global health issues and the challenges facing health professionals working in developing countries.

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Dentist

Dentists provide care to patients’ teeth and gums. They may work in private practice, in clinics, or in hospitals. The Practitioner’s Guide to Global Health will help you develop the skills you need to be successful in this field by providing you with a comprehensive overview of global health issues and the challenges facing health professionals working in developing countries.

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Teacher

Teachers help students to learn and grow. They may teach in schools, universities, or other educational settings. The Practitioner’s Guide to Global Health will help you develop the skills you need to be successful in this field by providing you with a comprehensive overview of global health issues and the challenges facing health professionals working in developing countries.

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Nurse

Nurses provide care to patients in hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare settings. They may work with patients of all ages and with a variety of health conditions. The Practitioner’s Guide to Global Health will help you develop the skills you need to be successful in this field by providing you with a comprehensive overview of global health issues and the challenges facing health professionals working in developing countries.

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Pharmacist

Pharmacists dispense medications and provide information about their use. They may work in pharmacies, hospitals, or other healthcare settings. The Practitioner’s Guide to Global Health will help you develop the skills you need to be successful in this field by providing you with a comprehensive overview of global health issues and the challenges facing health professionals working in developing countries.

See salaries and explore the career path for Pharmacist