Clinical Topics in Global Health
SM 520
Subject & Catalog Number
Course Information
Description
There is a clear and pressing need for clinicians trained in the prevention and management of diseases found in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). "Clinical Topics in Global Health" introduces students to the evidence-based knowledge and skills they will need to be effective clinicians in resource-limited settings. Ten evening sessions, led by Harvard faculty who practice clinically in LMICs, will orient students to the most important global health problems, explore each of these conditions with particular focus on clinical practice, and provide practical guidance for students interested in pursuing further training or careers in global health. Topics covered will include the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in LMICs, including malnutrition, malaria, diarrheal illness, perinatal disease, tropical diseases, HIV/AIDS, TB, and chronic non-communicable diseases. The elective will explore key concepts relevant to the delivery of clinical services in resource-limited settings. The elective will also include discussion of clinical issues particularly relevant to populations affected by humanitarian crisis, including refugees, internally displaced persons, and orphans. Teaching methods will be tailored to each clinical topic and will include lectures, practical skills sessions, case discussions, and ongoing reinforcement of core material. Selected guest speakers will address current innovations in global health practice.
Class Notes
The course will consist of 10 sessions. A majority of the sessions will be by Zoom and include guest lecturers, while 2-3 sessions will be in-person for hands-on practical skills learning, such as point-of-care ultrasound, essential newborn resuscitation, essential dental procedures, using local materials to make low-cost medical devices, etc.
Location: TMEC and Hybrid
Available for Harvard Cross Registration
Preclerkship
