Founded in September 2021, the overarching goal of the Mary Heersink Institute for Global Health is to improve overall health and well-being and promote equity in health outcomes among people around the world.
The institute aims to present a coordinated, comprehensive, and sustainable infrastructure for the Heersink School of Medicine, UAB, and international partners, to foster educational opportunities, conduct high-quality biomedical research, and provide multidirectional services, capacity building, and mutual support toward mitigating the most pressing and complex global health challenges.
Working with UAB and international partners, the institute fosters educational opportunities, facilitates high-quality biomedical research, and provides multidirectional services, capacity building, and mutual support with partners toward mitigating the most pressing and complex global health challenges. Transdisciplinary collaboration with other schools and disciplines engaged in global health is essential for success.
2021 Open House
The Mary Heersink Institute for Global Health held a virtual open house to introduce the institute on Thursday, Nov. 18, 2021. Selwyn M. Vickers, M.D., FACS, former dean of the UAB Heersink School of Medicine, CEO of the UAB Health System, and CEO of the UAB/Ascension St. Vincent’s Alliance presented opening remarks. Alan Tita, M.D., Ph.D., associate dean of Global and Women’s Health and director of the Mary Heersink Institute for Global Health, discussed the institute’s background, mission, and goals, which include education, service, research, clinical, and capacity building.
Vision
Healthy People. Healthy Lives. Around the World.
Mission
To solve the most pressing global health challenges and promote healthy lives through the provision of education and mentorship, enabling scientific research, and enhancing service delivery through capacity building using bidirectional partnerships embedded in genuine collaboration, innovation, and trust.
Values
Integrity, Mutual Respect, Diversity and Inclusiveness, Collaboration, Excellence/Innovation, Stewardship, and Accountability.