Training physician-leaders at the University of Global Health Equity in Rwanda
Global Perm NW is excited to be a partner of the University for Global Health Equity (UGHE) in Rwanda.
UGHE provides a valuable new pipeline to train much-needed physicians and health system leaders. Expanding the healthcare workforce is important, but the vision is even more expansive. UGHE was founded with the goal of training a new generation of leaders to deliver health care to the most underserved populations in Africa.
Dr. Fred Cirillo teaching a procedure to students in the emergency department.
The main campus was deliberately located in one of the poorest districts of Rwanda with the aim of training graduates who understand the needs of the poor and whose careers will be framed by the goal of health justice.
Dr. Steve Long with medical students learning otolaryngology.
In addition to learning to provide outstanding medical care to sick patients, students learn about the social determinants of health and how to integrate health promotion into community life. The values of patient-centered care, respect, and health equity permeate the training environment. It’s a unique place with an inspiring vision.
Due to the shortage of physicians in the region and as a new institution, UGHE needs help from foreign physicians to fill gaps and serve as visiting volunteer faculty. The expectation is that in a several years, some of the graduates will be able to become permanent faculty and reduce the need for foreign volunteers.
Global Perm NW recruits U.S. physicians to volunteer to teach the students at UGHE who are training to be physicians. The teaching takes place in hospitals, clinics, in the operating room, in training labs, and in the classroom. It is uplifting to work with the students who are incredibly bright and hard-working. It makes us optimistic about the future.
Portland dermatologist Dr. Christa Schmitt uses fruit to teach how to do a skin biopsy!