One definition of Global Health is “an area for study, research and practice that places a priority on improving health and achieving health equity for all people worldwide.”*
The Department of Global Health seeks to promote an understanding of issues in health care and health equity both domestically and globally.
This includes creating, developing and facilitating international opportunities for students to learn about medicine, health care systems and the social determinants of health.
How Do We Do This?
- Providing opportunities for students to complete international rotations or internships, both in person and virtually.
- Hosting international medical students and scholars in Des Moines.
- Facilitating courses and programs to help students become ethical and globally-conscious health care providers.
- Offering research opportunities for students to hold distinguished internships at prestigious organizations such as the CDC and USGCRP.
*Koplan JP, Bond TC, Merson MH, Reddy KS, Rodriguez MH, Sewankambo NK, et al. Towards a common definition of global health. Lancet. 2009;373:1993–5
