Certificate in Global Health

Certificate in Global Health

Center for Global Health


Schools:
Osteopathic Medicine (NYCOM), Health Professions, Management, Engineering and Computing Sciences, Architecture and Design, Education, Arts and Sciences

Designation:
Interdisciplinary Program

Faculty for Core Courses and Practicum:
Zehra Ahmed, RPA-C, MBBS; Edward Cho, D.O., MPH; Edward Gotfried, D.O., FACOS; Deborah Lardner, D.O., DTM&H; Jesse Rohde, D.O., MPH; Barbara Ross-Lee, D.O., M.A., FACOFP

Projected 2010 Program Calendar:

  • Ghana Program (6 credits) (deadline 2/1/10): $2700
    2 week course (6/1-6/11) followed by 3 1/2 weeks in Ghana (6/12-7/4)
  • Guatemala Program (5 credits) (deadline 12/16/09): $2250
    Distance learning: Jan.-April 5-8p (1/9, 1/11, 1/25, 2/1, 2/8, 2/22, 3/1, 3/8, 3/15, 3/22, 4/5, 4/10)
    Followed by 2 weeks in Guatemala (5/15-5/29)
    www.truenorthmissions.com
  • Coursework without fieldwork (3 credits) (deadline 2/1/10): $1350
    Will not receive a certificate but can transfer graduate level credits
  • Coursework with Independent Fieldwork at preapproved site (6 credits) (deadline 2/1/10): $2700
  • Flight costs and in country expenses will be incurred by the traveler

Purpose:

The Certificate in Global Health’s purpose is to provide a platform to comprehend the underlying determinants of poor health. These determinants have a fundamental impact on the strength of health systems, and have critical consequences to the status of health globally. The Certificate offers a new format and contextual approach to existing Global Health Certificate or Masters Programs that have had a traditionally medical or public health focus. The course will be delivered in a multidisciplinary, case-based, small group, interactive, student-centered learning format interjecting content and perspectives from students and faculty in medicine, health professions, engineering, business, and education. The rationale for a diverse group of candidates and faculty is to enhance the individuals understanding that the delivery of effective health occurs through a collaboration of multiple fields.

 

The Certificate in Global Health is offered to health and related professionals in order for them to recognize "that a majority of people in the world do not enjoy the good health that is biologically possible" (World Health Organization, "Inequities are killing people on grand scale, reports WHO’s Commission," Aug. 28 2008). Effectively, poor health is heavily influenced by social determinants of health and its fragmented relationship with health systems, which result in a countries health outcome. During the course, we will discuss the influence of diseases on a population and the specific determinants (culture, socioeconomic, education, gender, disparities, water, sanitation etc.) that exacerbate ill health. Health professionals will work in a multidisciplinary team to understand that critical non-health issues play a significant role in health outcomes. The goal of the Certificate is to create a paradigm shift in health and related professions that are leading the charge for innovative global health solutions.

 

For non-health professionals, a multidisciplinary format challenges individuals to recognize that contributions from tangential fields enhance the effectiveness and sustainability of projects. Issues such as solar power in energy-challenged areas, water access and sanitation, education for women and children, appropriate technology in resource-poor areas and financial sustainability for social enterprise projects are just a few concerns when designing strategies. The Certificate in Global Health will enhance the understanding and capabilities of health and non-health professionals, whether working directly or indirectly in an international and domestic health care setting.

Curriculum:

I. Global Health Core (3 Credits)

a. Critical Issue in Global Health: examines the major preventative health issues affecting the world today. The following discussion and analysis of the problem will help students to recognize and comprehend the relationship among influence factors, clinical and non-clinical, that shape the complex issues. Students will then investigate how these factors relate to an effective preventative health strategy, and more importantly, if a policy should be implemented based on the potential consequences. The subsequent inquiry will be to measure the probability of a successful preventative health strategy. Although the course centers on global diseases, the focus of this exercise is to understand the vital issues in forming preventative health policy and the difficulties encountered implementing global health initiatives. In addition, we will look at the key players involved, from nongovernmental to government-sponsored organizations, which influence the global health environment. After examining issues at the policy level, we will look at the practical aspects of delivering a preventative health strategy and devise solutions that will address health issues from a multidisciplinary approach.
b. Cultural and Health Disparity Issues in a Global Setting: takes an in depth look into the cultural and socioeconomic issues that affect the delivery and quality of healthcare in a global setting. The following discussion and analysis of the problem will help to recognize and comprehend the relationship of these influencing factors that lead to health disparities. Students will then investigate how existing or potential strategies would effectively address the issue and improve healthcare. Although the scenarios take place in a global setting, the lessons are applicable domestically as the U.S. population grows ethnically diverse. We will look at specific strategies that address the importance of culture, politics, and the socioeconomic role in determining health outcomes and the delivery of healthcare. Students will be expected to examine the problem tackled through varying strategies and devise a multidisciplinary approach in a strategic proposal.
c. Infectious Diseases/Tropical Medicine: course examines the role of communicable and non-communicable diseases affecting the health of people living in low to middle income countries. Initially, we will view specific illnesses in the context of their clinical, epidemiological and socioeconomic impact, and then broaden the perspective to examine the influence of preventative health strategies that address these diseases. We will study classic diseases which have chronically afflicted countries - malaria is such an example. We will also study diseases like multidrug resistant tuberculosis (MDRTB), diseases which have forced the re-examination of heretofore successful health strategies. Lastly, we will look at rapidly emerging diseases, such as SARS, where the dynamic development of the disease process creates a different preventative health strategy dilemma. Subsequent discussion and analysis of the problem will help students to recognize and comprehend the relationship of influence factors that shape the complex issue. Students will then investigate how these factors relate to an effective preventative health strategy, and more importantly, determine if a policy should be implemented based on the potential consequences. The subsequent inquiry will be to measure the probability of a successful preventative health strategy.

II. Global Health Fieldwork (3 Credits)

Upon successful completion of the coursework for the Certificate in Global Health, students will be eligible to undertake a Global Health Fieldwork Practicum at a preapproved supervised global health site. During the 4 week period, students will be oriented and integrated into the health center, the ancillary operations, or preventative health project relevant to the individual's professional background to deliver health services under the supervision of the on-site faculty. Students will be expected to identify and involve themselves with an ongoing preventative health initiative in the first week of the experience, engage the projects objectives and implement proposals in cooperation with the project coordinator. By integrating oneself in the clinical and/or preventative health projects of a resource-poor environment, a student will expectantly understand the humanitarian and altruistic ideals that form the principles of preventative medicine.

Program Structure:
The Certificate in Global Health proposes to educate candidates through a three-part structured program each addressing essential aspects of global health through different constructs: course work, a global practicum, and a case/project report.

Certificate Requirements:
Candidates who satisfactorily complete the course work will be allowed to proceed to the field work practicum and independent research project. Candidates who successful complete all components of the program will be issued a Certificate in Global Health.

How to Apply

The Center for Global Health administers the Certificate in Global Health. All applicants will be subject to final approval by the faculty of the Certificate program. Application for the Certificate in Global Health positions is competitive and open to individuals who at a minimum are currently enrolled medical students, third or fourth year nursing students, graduate students, or residents in good standing.

Applicants are to complete the following:

  • Complete the application (PDF) and the conditions of participation (PDF)
  • Submit application and conditions of participation to Edward Cho, D.O., MPH at echo@nyit.edu or
    Center for Global Health
    New York College of Osteopathic Medicine
    Northern Boulevard P.O. Box 8000
    Serota Building Rm 123
    Old Westbury, NY 11568

General Deadlines:

  • Ghana Program (6 credits) (deadline 2/1/10): $2700
  • Guatemala Program (5 credits) (deadline 12/16/09): $2250
  • Coursework without fieldwork (3 credits) (deadline 2/1/10): $1350
  • Coursework with Independent Fieldwork at preapproved site (6 credits) (deadline 2/1/10): $2700
  • Notification of selected applicants will occur 1 month after deadlines
  • Documentation of vaccinations and immunity (travel medicine clinic) must be submitted 6 weeks prior to travel
  • Proof of visas must be submitted 6 weeks prior to travel
  • Present acquisition of all medicines necessary for trip (for personal medical conditions and required for traveling) 6 weeks prior to travel
  • All passports must be valid for 6 months before expiration

Facilities and Resources:
Extensive in-kind contributions from NYCOM and the other participating NYIT schools are committed to the program. The facilities of the campus sites include the library and information systems support, as well as faculty and staff to work with the participants.

Academic Credit:
Participants in the Certificate in Global Health may earn academic credit for their studies through NYIT. Graduate credits are awarded to participants that complete the Certificate in Global Health. These credit hours may also be transferable to graduate programs, subject to approval by each program.

Traveling to and Within Ghana and Guatemala:
Flights to and from Ghana or Guatemala will be coordinated with the Center for Global Health, although flight costs and in country expenses will be incurred by the traveler. Once the traveler is in Ghana or Guatemala, all arrangements and costs will be covered with the practicum expenses. Strict adherence and presentation of appropriate documentation of vaccinations and immunity are required prior to the trip. Take care in following the CDC recommendations for Ghana and Guatemala

Useful Web Sites:

Questions? Contact Us:
Edward Cho, D.O., MPH at echo@nyit.edu or 516.686.3753.
Assistant Professor of Emergency Medicine, Associate Director of the Center for Global Health
New York Institute of Technology