School of Medicine Admissions
GLOBAL HEALTH TRACK
Have you heard about University of Colorado Denver’s Global Health track? Take the brief self-assessment quiz below to determine if you are a candidate that should apply.
Are you committed to underserved populations and eliminating health disparities?
Are you interested in travel to underdeveloped countries?
Are you willing to commit your elective time in years 1-4 to Global Health?
Are you able and willing to travel abroad (potentially self-funded) in your 1st and 4th year for 6-8 weeks at a time?
If you answered yes to ALL of the above questions, then you should consider applying to the UC Denver Global Health Track. To apply, please fill out the global health track essay on the Colorado secondary application as part of the admissions process. Applying to this track neither advantages or disadvantages a student from becoming an MD student at University of Colorado Denver. Once you are accepted to the medical school your global health track application will be reviewed and you will receive notice of your Global Health Track acceptance status.
If you did NOT answer yes to each of the above questions, the Global Health Track may not be for you. There are other means by which you may spend time volunteering abroad. These experiences are available after matriculation and may be eligible for elective credit during your fourth year elective time.
FAQ:
What is the Global Health Track?
The Global Health Track is an official four year track within UC Denver School of Medicine committed to equipping medical students with global and public health skills. This track goes beyond medical tourism, and requires a true commitment to one site during your four years. The track seeks to promote in-depth projects abroad in developing nations that are sustainable and create lasting positive change in a community.
What projects have students been involved with in the past?
Projects are varied in both topic and style. Examples include the Effects of clean burning stoves on health of the household in the Peruvian Highlands, assessment of trauma services and outcomes in Tanzania, assessment and administration of health services in a Rwandan orphanage, and experiences of trauma in Eritrean refugees.
How many students are able to join?
The Global Health Track takes 25 students per year with a five person waiting list.
If I am accepted to medical school does that mean I am accepted to the GHT?
No Medical School acceptance is independent of acceptance to the GHT. In order to be considered for the GHT you must complete the Global Health Track essay questions on the University of Colorado Denver Secondary Application.
I am not sure if I am interested in the GHT, should I wait to apply until after matriculation?
The five waiting list spots MAY remain open until after matriculation. However the 25 track positions will be filled by July 1st.
What does it mean if I am on the GHT waiting list?
The waiting list will be in effect through the end of the first semester. If a student in the main track drops out, a student on the waiting list will be asked to join the main track. After the end of the first semester, no further students will be added from the waiting list. Any remaining students on the waiting list will meet with the track directors to determine a plan for their Mentored Scholarly Activity. See link for more information on the MSA.
How do students pay for their overseas experiences?
Most students will self-fund their projects and experiences. There are a limited number of scholarships available for international work through our various mentors and community organizations.
Where can I do my overseas work?
The Global Health Track has nearly 40 mentors, most with their own projects abroad in Africa, Asia, Latin America, Eastern Europe, and the Caribbean. The Track is working toward focused, sustainable research development at a portion of these sites. Therefore, projects at these sites will be seen as a priority in the future. Some students bring their own close ties to groups abroad and we will consider additional long-term connections that are safe, legitimate educational experiences which satisfy the medical school requirements. Additionally, work with global populations in Colorado (such as refugees, immigrants, and asylum seekers) is permitted within the track.
Do I get credit for the work that I do in the GHT?
You will receive elective credit from the medical school for the GHT required electives. You will also be able to satisfy the Mentored Scholarly Activity requirement of the medical school through your GHT project. For more information on the GHT click this MSA link.
What does the GHT curriculum include?
Elective courses in global and public health in the fall and spring of first year, an elective course in second year, and a two-week Tropical Medicine and Global Health course in fourth year. In addition there is a 160 hour direct contact requirement in the summer between first and second year, and again in the fourth year during which you perform your Global Health project and gain clinical experience.
Is language study offered for the various destinations?
There are many languages represented by the projects in the GHT. It is our recommendation that you attempt to gain knowledge of the language of the country you will visit before and during your work abroad. The medical school offers an elective in Spanish but other language courses are not currently offered.
If you are interested to apply for the Global Health Track , please fill out the Global Health Track essay questions on the University of Colorado Denver Secondary Application. We look forward to hearing from you!
