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 of Global Health curriculum
Commonly encountered diseases:
“I learned so much during my time in Uganda. In addition to increasing
my exposure to uncommon tropical diseases, it taught me to practice flexible
medicine, and to embrace and trust my physical examination skills. As
a future pulmonology/critical care fellow, the opportunity to work in
the chest clinic was incredible.”
Maeve MacMurdo M.D.
“The global health rotation in Uganda was one of my favorite experiences.
The medicine residents were amazing to work with and I had the opportunity
to teach medical students as well. I learned to trust my physical exam
skills and appropriately use the limited resources available. Doing a
global health rotation in Uganda rejuvenated my passion about medicine
and I hope to go back again. ”
Madiha Ahmad
