From our work in Uganda to Mexico to the Philippines and in the virtual space, CFHI knows that the health of people, ecosystems, and the planet are connected. We have seen tremendous advancements in human health outcomes since our founding, from increased life expectancy, to reduced poverty, to reduced maternal and infant mortality. However, this progress has been accompanied by unprecedented global environmental changes that jeopardize these gains and the health of future generations. Some of these threats include deforestation, biodiversity loss, soil degradation, and water scarcity.
At CFHI we envision a generation of planetary health changemakers equipped to address global environmental change and health impacts. Our global partners who live on the front lines of environmental challenges are well equipped to support students as they engage in clinical rotations, lectures, site visits to explore planetary health themes.
The following programs are well suited for a student interested in planetary health
Virtual Global Health Elective
This inter-professional program is open to final-year students/residents/fellows of medical, dental, nursing, pharmacy, and allied health. Develop skills in cross-cultural effectiveness, critical reflection, and continuous quality improvement. Explore global and public health issues, including Planetary Health, and gain insights into international development, climate change, and health.
Global Health in Uganda (Kabale)
This program offers a unique exposure to Planetary Health through a ground-breaking approach to improving food security and nutrition. CFHI’s local partner in Kabale leads actions in health, education and economic development. From a primary care clinic to rural communities, you will witness the implementation of practical solutions in health, farming and education.
Global Health in India (New Delhi)
The brief placements at several NGOs in this program cover significant aspects of Planetary Health. This is a unique opportunity to learn more about the ecology of poverty and how these organizations address social and health challenges in the Indian cultural context. In many of these settings, environmental approaches and social reforms are integrated. These projects aim to develop environmental sanitation, alternative energy or waste management through education and vocational training. CFHI’s partners at this program site promotes human rights and focuses their efforts on bringing care to vulnerable populations (untouchable caste, LGBTQ community, HIV patients, street children, homeless population, adolescents with addiction).
Global Health in India (Dehradun/Rural Himalayas)
This program integrates themes related to Planetary Health. In many regions of the world, traditional medicine is the only affordable care for most of the population. A big part of traditional medicine involves the use of plants for treatment and is naturally aligned against aggressive farming or deforestation practices. This program creates a connection between traditional and modern medicine and aims to highlight how the two can work in harmony by developing cross-cultural competency. The week spent in a small clinic in the foothills of the Himalayan Mountains offers an opportunity to learn about these integrated approaches.
Global Health in Ecuador (Guayaquil & Puyo)
This inter-professional program is open to final-year students/residents/fellows of medical, dental, nursing, pharmacy, and allied health. Develop skills in cross-cultural effectiveness, critical reflection, and continuous quality improvement. Explore global and public health issues, including Planetary Health, and gain insights into international development, climate change, and health.
Global Health in the Philippines
This program takes you from the urban settings of Manila to the remote islands known as geographically isolated disadvantaged areas (GIDA). You will have the opportunity to experience first-hand the healthcare challenges in the Philippines and to observe the impacts on health and environment of different industries such as mining, fishing or farming.
Global Health in Ghana (Accra)
This program integrates themes related to Planetary Health. In many regions of the world, traditional medicine is the only affordable care for most of the population. A big part of traditional medicine involves the use of plants for treatment and is naturally aligned against aggressive farming or deforestation practices. This program creates a connection between traditional and modern medicine and aims to highlight how the two can work in harmony by developing cross-cultural competency. The week spent in a small clinic in the foothills of the Himalayan Mountains offers an opportunity to learn about these integrated approaches.
