"the World As a Global Public Health Classroom: A Streamline and Effective System for Student Training and Faculty Enterprises in Resource-Poor Settings”

Showcasing approaches and strategies that strengthen the capacity of a global public health workforce is critical to improving health globally while promoting world peace and prosperity.  The University of South Florida’s College of Public Health, supports faculty and students – individuals and groups - through a streamlined process that assures successful outcomes in research, public health education, service projects, program development endeavors and entrepreneurial initiatives in the global arena. This is done by identification of global partners through international collaborative agreements, and by provision of support for students and faculty, prior to and throughout their time abroad with tools, technology and transferrable knowledge.  Such tools include standardized registration requirements; expert advisement; safety protocols; ongoing evaluation and international travel awards and scholarships for both students and faculty.  International field placements for students are in resource-poor environments where students are mentored by host country supervisors who have agreed to the supervisory role and responsibilities. A work-plan written by the student and approved by the faculty advisor and the host country supervisor will have been completed before the student leaves the United States. The work plan includes measurable objectives with a post field placement evaluation and debriefing session in a public venue provided upon return to the University.  Safety and work progress are monitored via internet conferencing.  Outcomes data indicate that this system successfully promotes the preparation of students for careers in areas as diverse as global emerging infectious diseases, health disparities and environmental impacts on health.  Health is, after all, something everyone wants and can agree upon, the point of commonality, a peacemaker in the world today.
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