An International Health rotation is available to senior medical residents interested in learning to practice in resource-limited settings. This experience enhances personal growth by developing confidence, adaptability, resourcefulness, and insight; assists in cultural competency training; and introduces concepts of health care development. Through a partnership with Health Volunteers Overseas, we have consistently sent groups of residents with faculty to teach and learn in Uganda for over 20 years. Through generous fundraising we cover travel and housing expenses.
We also sponsor two Ugandan medical students yearly to complete a clinical rotation on our wards. These students bring enthusiasm, appreciation and unique perspectives on our health system that is always refreshing.
Providence was founded on a mission of caring for the poor and vulnerable. This philosophy permeates all that we do, and since a majority of our faculty has participated in International Health and other volunteer work, you will find shared values of a commitment to health equity and the underserved.
“After my own internal medicine training, my husband and I spent
almost two years running a remote hospital in northern Kenya. This time
was invaluable to me. It opened my eyes to the needs in underserved areas,
the resilience of the human spirit, and the complexities of how to deliver
care in a just and ethical manner. For over 20 years, I have coordinated
global health rotations for our residents.”
Dr. Claudia Leonard M.D, FACP | Director, Global Health Curriculum
Commonly encountered diseases:
“My month in Uganda for the global health elective was one of the
greatest highlights of my residency. Unlike many other global health electives,
this experience focused on providing education for medical students, creating
a more ethical impact that continues even after we left the country. Uganda
holds a special place in my heart, and I look forward to returning as
an attending physician!”
“If I could summarize this experience in one word, it would be ‘appreciation’.
I am very thankful to have visited Uganda and been welcomed so kindly.
I appreciated the opportunity to educate the Ugandan medical students,
and I also appreciate that I probably learned much more from them. Seeing
medicine in a new country, now appreciating many of the things we take
for granted, and gaining self-confidence in my ability to practice medicine
in a setting with less resources has truly helped me grow as a person
and physician.”