The Pediatric Underserved and Global Health (PUGH) Scholars Program is a unique opportunity for pediatric residents to gain experience and focused education in global health during the 3 years of residency training. We are looking for residents with a passion for practicing medicine in underserved communities to reduce healthcare disparities and a desire to experience global health both here in the U.S. and abroad. Residents will gain an understanding of the general principles related to health in developing countries and providing culturally sensitive and competent care in a limited resource setting. 

The program will give priority to Pediatrics and MedPeds PGY-1 residents but is open to upper level residents if there are spots available. The application and selection process takes place in the Spring. Three residents will be selected for the program each application cycle. 

Goals

• To provide structured education for pediatric residents surrounding global health principles

• To prepare residents to address healthcare delivery and work to eliminate healthcare disparities in the global underserved population

• To provide mentorship for a career in global heath as well as pre-departure planning and scholarship oversight

• To recruit strong resident applicants interested in global health.

• To foster longitudinal partnerships with global sites for bidirectional mentorship, education, and research

Curriculum

• Attend at least 2/3 of the global health meetings

  1. Quarterly Global Health Noon Conference

  2. Quarterly Global Health Morning Report

  3. Global Health Interest Group Meetings

• Spend your non-call elective during 3rd year in an underserved setting (either here in the U.S. or overseas)

  1. Target overseas sites: Kijabe, Kenya; Santiago, Chile (2021-2022 academic year); Lusaka, Zambia

  2. US sites: Indian Health Services; Black Belt, Alabama; Health Department; other rural Alabama location

  3. Other sites may be acceptable on case by case basis

• Complete a scholarly project (anything from a reflective essay to an advocacy, QI, or research project)

Current Scholars

2021-2022 Scholars

PGY-1 Residents

Abby Davidson
David Taylor
Beth Vaughn

PGY-2 Resident

Kelsey Thetford

PGY-3  Residents

Amelia Schuyler
Kalli Vincent

Faculty Leaders

Meghan Hofto, M.D.
Assistant Professor, Division of Pediaric Hospital Medicine

Mary Orr, M.D.
Assistant Professor, Division of Pediaric Hospital Medicine

Nora Switchenko, M.D.
Assistant Professor, Division of Neonatology

Erica Bjornstad, M.D.
Assistant Professor, Division of Pediaric Nephrology

Carmelle Wallace, M.D.
Assistant Professor, Division of Pediaric Emergency Medicine

Priya Prabhakaran, M.D.
Professor, Division of Pediatric Critical Care