Global Health Program - Curriculum

Program Goals and Objectives

Southern California is one of the most culturally diverse regions in the United States and continues to attract immigrants from around the world. As this population grows, physicians must be prepared to deliver culturally responsive and equitable care. Studies have shown that physicians who participate in medical volunteer experiences in underserved communities abroad are more likely to continue serving vulnerable populations in their own communities, while demonstrating greater cultural awareness and sensitivity.

International medical electives provide residents with immersive experiences that deepen their understanding of the social, cultural, and environmental factors influencing health. Working directly within local communities enhances cultural competence and broadens knowledge of global health conditions commonly encountered among immigrant populations in Southern California, including tuberculosis, chronic hepatitis, and other infectious diseases.

These experiences also expose participants to innovative approaches to delivering affordable and accessible health care in resource-limited settings. Because diagnostic tools, medications, and medical supplies may be scarce, residents develop greater confidence in clinical decision-making and patient management with limited resources. They also gain experience caring for patients with low health literacy and other barriers to treatment adherence. The insights gained during these electives are directly applicable to the care of underserved and immigrant populations in Southern California, where similar challenges frequently affect access to care and health outcomes.

The primary goal of this program is to provide resident physicians with meaningful clinical experiences outside the United States, where they will work alongside U.S.-based or host-country faculty mentors in hospitals and community clinics serving remote and underserved populations. Through these experiences, residents will develop a deeper understanding of the barriers patients face in accessing health care, strengthen their skills in delivering culturally competent care, and, when applicable, expand their knowledge of infectious diseases, tropical medicine, and other health conditions unique to the host country. Ultimately, the program aims to prepare physicians to provide compassionate, culturally informed, and resource-conscious care to diverse populations both internationally and within their own communities.

Global Health Core Competences

Our Global Health Elective is designed to integrate the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) core competencies within an international health care setting. Through supervised clinical experiences, residents will develop the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary to provide high-quality, culturally responsive care in resource-limited environments while strengthening competencies that are directly applicable to the care of diverse populations in Southern California.

Patient Care

Residents will develop the ability to obtain comprehensive histories and perform physical examinations appropriate to diverse cultural and clinical settings. They will provide patient-centered, culturally sensitive care that recognizes the social, economic, and cultural factors influencing health. Participants will learn to deliver holistic care that incorporates community context, utilize laboratory and diagnostic resources appropriately within different health care systems, and participate in health promotion and disease prevention initiatives in low-resource settings.

Medical Knowledge

Residents will expand their understanding of diseases and health conditions prevalent within the host community, including infectious and tropical diseases when applicable. They will gain insight into how cultural beliefs and practices influence patient health behaviors, treatment adherence, and clinical outcomes. Participants will also learn to develop evidence-based treatment plans using the resources and therapies available within the local health care system.

Interpersonal Skills and Communication

Residents will strengthen their communication skills by working effectively with patients, families, interpreters, and multidisciplinary health care teams from diverse cultural backgrounds. They will develop an appreciation for cultural differences that influence health care delivery and enhance their ability to educate, counsel, and collaborate with patients and local providers in a respectful and culturally appropriate manner.

Practice Based Learning and Improvement

Residents will engage in collaborative learning with host-country clinicians by exchanging medical knowledge and best practices. They will develop skills in acquiring and applying medical knowledge across different educational and clinical environments. Participants will also contribute to the development and implementation of evidence-based clinical guidelines and protocols while adapting care plans to meet the individual needs of patients within the local context.

Professionalism

Residents will demonstrate professionalism by maintaining ethical standards, respecting cultural diversity, and fostering collaborative relationships with patients, colleagues, and community partners. They will develop an understanding of local cultural norms, legal requirements, and professional expectations while recognizing the importance of practicing within their level of training, competence, and scope of responsibility.

Systems-Based Learning

Residents will gain an understanding of how different health care systems function and learn to deliver high-quality care within resource-constrained environments. They will evaluate the strengths and challenges of local health systems, identify opportunities to improve patient care and health outcomes, and appreciate the influence of public health infrastructure, resource allocation, and community partnerships on health care delivery. These experiences will enhance their ability to apply systems-based thinking to improve care for underserved populations both internationally and within their own communities.