Global Health in India (Dehradun & Rural Himalayas)

Program overview

India is a culturally vibrant democracy of nearly 1.4 billion people, home to bustling cities, lush mountains and a diverse population. In this program, participants travel to Northern India to learn from healthcare workers in urban and rural settings, gaining insight into hospital medicine, primary care, integrative medicine, public health and health realities of rural and remote communities. Participants have a unique opportunity to encounter various health challenges in clinical settings that represent the rural and urban divide in a developing country and witness improvements made in public health, through the persistence of health camps and widespread outreach efforts.

The first week of the program is spent in New Delhi, orienting participants to Indian culture, determinants of health and health systems, and innovations in public health education and delivery. Then, participants immerse in three locations: In Uttarakhand’s capital city of Dehradun, where rotations take place at hospitals and private clinics; in the unique hilltop town of Mussoorie, where rotations take place in a private hospital; and in the rural Himalayan village of Patti, where students observe the delivery of care in a one-room clinic and trek to offer health outreach to the community, while engaging in daily yoga sessions and breathing the clean mountain air.

Become immersed in Indian culture by living with a host family in Dehradun and shared accommodations in Mussoorie and Patti. Participants may organize weekend trips to nearby Rishikesh, known as a spiritual center and the Gateway to the Garhwal Himalayas.

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General information

Country

India

Focus

Hospital & Inpatient Medicine Planetary Health Primary health care Public Health Traditional & Indigenous Medicine Urban/Rural Comparative

Languages

English

Fees and Duration

4 Weeks - $3025 5 Weeks - $3675 6 Weeks - $4325 7 Weeks - $4975 8 Weeks - $5470 9 Weeks - $5960 10 Weeks - $6450

Start Dates

January 4th, 2025 February 1st, 2025 March 1st, 2025 April 5th, 2025 May 3rd, 2025 June 7th, 2025 July 5th, 2025 August 2nd, 2025 September 6th, 2025 October 4th, 2025 November 1st, 2025 January 3rd, 2026 February 7th, 2026 March 7th, 2026 April 4th, 2026

About this program

India is the 7th largest country in the world and one of the most populous, with over 1.4 billion people. There are over 30 languages spoken across India’s 29 states and 7 union territories. The country is also the birthplace of 4 of the world’s major religions—Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Sikhism-and home to 32 UNESCO World Heritage Sites. India boasts a rich history, vibrant and colorful culture, and diverse and magnificent landscapes, including architectural wonders like the Taj Mahal and Golden Temple.

This program is based in Dehradun, the capital of Uttarakhand state in northern India, roughly 4 hours north of New Delhi. The city of Dehradun is situated at an altitude of 1440 feet, nestled between the Himalayan foothills to the north and the Sivalik Hills to the south. It offers breathtaking scenery and serves as a convenient base for visiting the area’s many tourist sites.

Participants will also spend a week each in Mussoorie and Patti. Mussoorie is known as the “Queen of Hill Stations” and offers spectacular views of the Green Doon Valley and snow-capped peaked of the Himalayas. Patti is a small village in the foothills of the Himalayas just north of Dehradun, with a rugged, hilly terrain and lush greenery. Patti is great place to unwind, practice yoga and trek along Himalayan footpaths.

In New Delhi, program participants will find their home away from home in comfortable apartments. During time spent in the city of Dehradun, participants will stay with local host families. In the village of Patti, participants stay in a small apartment located in the village in the same building as the clinic (rustic accommodations). In Mussoorie, participants stay in guest rooms at the hospital. All housing screened by CFHI Local Coordinators in India and following CFHI’s health and safety guidelines.

Going beyond mere lodging, staying in a local housing provides a unique opportunity to learn about the local culture. Accommodations include two meals per day. Accommodations may vary depending on the number and location of students throughout the month. At the welcome orientation, participants will be instructed on culture and work etiquette to have the best experience in both the home and the health settings.

Participants should arrive in Delhi, India on the program start date. They will be picked up from the airport by a CFHI representative and taken to their housing. A welcome orientation will take place the Sunday or Monday after arrival.

US citizens and others should apply for an Indian tourist e-visa in advance. More information and specific instructions on visa applications will be provided by CFHI after acceptance into the program.

CFHI Program fees include the majority of your on the ground costs. As a nonprofit, CFHI strives to keep fees low and offers fundraising opportunities, scholarships and discounts.

Pre-Departure Support

Program advising and support via email, phone, and web meeting from CFHI’s Central Leadership team
Detailed online Pre-Departure Training that includes modules on program logistics (flights, visas, immunizations, and more), intercultural learning, introduction to health realities at your program site, and much more

On-Site Services

Airport pick-up upon arrival and transportation with a local CFHI representative to your program lodging
Welcome orientation 1-2 days after arrival covering safety, transportation, and other logistics
CFHI Local Team that provides instruction, logistical support, and 24/7 emergency response
Meetings and lectures on local healthcare system, socio-economic determinants of health and current cultural/historical topics.
Placement and coordination of clinical and any public health activities (if relevant)
Accommodation and two meals per day
Local cell phone or support obtaining a local SIM card
International emergency medical and evacuation insurance (unless waived by your university or institution)

Post-Return Resources

Opportunities to engage as a CFHI Alumni Ambassador, reviewing scholarship applications, speaking on CFHI panels, and more
Access to CFHI alumni-only social media group/s featuring news and career opportunities related to Global Health
CFHI alumni newsletter highlighting events, professional development opportunities, resources, and ways to stay involved

Uniquely, 60% or more of CFHI student program fees go directly to the communities they will be visiting, benefiting the local economy at large.

LEARN MORE ABOUT FAIR-TRADE LEARNING MODEL

CFHI participants have free time during most evenings and weekends and may choose to organize weekend trips to nearby destinations and take part in cultural activities offered in and around Dehradun.

On weekends, participants may want to explore the many religious sites located throughout the region, including Mindrolling Monastery and a large Buddhist monastery in the Tibetan Nyingma tradition, and visit the Taj Mahal in Agra or Golden Temple in Amritsar. Another popular destination is nearby Rishikesh, the yoga capital of India, which holds immense spiritual significance and is also known as the Gateway to the Garhwal Himalayas. Other popular tourist destinations include Jaipur, known as the Pink City of India, famous for its arts and crafts, most notably block printing, stone carving and jewelry.

A typical day in a CFHI program is a blend of immersive learning, cultural exploration, and personal reflection. On most days, Monday – Friday, participants will attend 2 or 3 clinical rotations per day, usually one in the morning and one in the evening with a lunch break in between. The clinical site assignments and schedule are shared by the local team upon arrival. Weekends are free of program-planned activities.

Sarah Olson

I am a Global Health major at Luther College in Decorah, Iowa, and am planning on pursuing graduate studies for my Masters of Public Health beginning Fall 2024. I love traveling and will have been to India, Germany, Canada, South Korea, Honduras, and Brazil by the end of 2024. I am a jazz saxophonist and a competitive ballroom dancer at the collegiate level. I traveled to India through CFHI in January 2023 and absolutely loved the experience! I am so excited to work with others planning on taking part in this program.

Clinical Rotations & Public Health Placements

Overview

This program provides participants with a unique opportunity to encounter various diseases in clinical settings that represent the rural and urban divide in India. The focus will be on primary care services and public health issues, with special emphasis on the needs of rural communities in India that lack access to healthcare. This global health opportunity also offers a window into improvements made in public health, through the persistence of health camps and widespread outreach efforts. Students will travel through 4 locations throughout the program and visit various hospitals, clinics, and participate in other public health activities.

The following are a sample of possible rotations during this program. After acceptance, students can indicate any preferences on their application. The local team does their best to accommodate learners’ preferences, based on local availability and conditions.

Private Nursing Home in Dehradun

This clinic offers inpatient and outpatient services. Shadow the Ob/Gyn who runs this facility serving only women. Accompany her on rounds and observe during surgical procedures.

Private Pediatric Hospital in Dehradun

Shadow our Dehradun Medical Director, Dr. Gandhi, in the Emergency Medicine and Cardiology ward at his private hospital. Accompany him on rounds and observe minor procedures.

Government Hospital in Dehradun

This facility provides eye care to the local population, including the marginalized. Shadow an ophthalmologist and eye surgeon in OPD and surgery.

Government Facilities in Dehradun

This tertiary hospital serves children and adolescents with all types of pathologies. A leading research center, it is a point of reference for the whole country, where the most common and most rare diseases may be observed. As a teaching hospital, it trains medical students, interns and pediatric residents. Rotate with specialists in infectious diseases, nephrology, gastroenterology, neonatology and more, and observe nurses and residents as they care for seriously ill children.

Meet the Local Team

Hema Pandey

CFHI India Director

Hema Pandey - CFHI India Director

CFHI’s India Programs Director, Hema Pandey, coordinates activities for all CFHI programs in India. Hema has been instrumental in establishing CFHI’s growing presence in India, developing new program sites and researching CFHI’s growth potential in-country. She has worked for CFHI since 2005. With more than 25 years of experience in the health field, Hema has handled a wide range of projects for government and non-government organizations in India, including the Indian government’s Year of Scientific Awareness (YSA) 2004, which highlighted needs and issues related to disaster preparedness, health & nutrition and soil & water conservation.

Hema has represented CFHI at important international conferences and events including being on a Panel at the United Nations Head Quarters in New York in 2010, participating in discussion about “Women in Leadership Roles in Male Dominated Societies”.

Hema enjoys helping CFHI students achieve academic and personal goals, and developing leadership skills during their time in the program. She loves to volunteer in her free time and has been actively involved with Delhi Education Department working in the development of government schools and student learning in South Delhi. She is also the honorary Member Secretary for an Ethics Committee. Hema enjoys photography and traveling with family.

Dr. Sanjay Gandhi

CFHI Dehradun Medical Director

Dr. Sanjay Gandhi - CFHI Dehradun Medical Director

The role of the Medical Director is to arrange clinical and public health placements, supervise the participant experience at these sites, and provide instruction on healthcare topics during meetings. Dr. Gandhi runs a private clinic in Dehradun. He is trained in emergency medical services and caters to all kinds of medical emergencies, specifically cardiac and respiratory. He is a committed physician who enjoys working with CFHI participants and the local community.

Mayank Vats

CFHI Dehradun Local Coordinator

Mayank Vats - CFHI Dehradun Local Coordinator

The CFHI Local Coordinators manage the logistics of housing, transportation, and cultural immersion throughout the program. They are a valuable resource for any questions related to navigating the program locale, cultural norms, and tips on planning weekend travel. Mayank is a great resource for any questions related to navigating Dehradun locale, cultural norms and tips on planning weekend travel. Mayank has worked with CFHI since 2007. He graduated from Prayagraj Allahabhad University in Dehradun and is currently pursuing a degree in Mass Communication. He views CFHI participants as “global ambassadors” and enjoys learning about their studies and culture. In his free time, Mayank writes poems in Hindi and English.

Eligibility

This CFHI program is ideal for participants who are 19 years of age or older, who have an interest in fields related to primary health care, hospital & inpatient medicine, urban & rural comparison, planetary health, and/or public health. You do not need to be a student to be eligible for this program; mid-career professionals, GAP year learners, and others are also welcome. This program will provide an in-depth overview of primary health care, hospital & inpatient medicine, urban & rural comparison, planetary health, and/or public health in India through rotations within various hospitals and clinics in Dehradun and the Rural Himalayas. To confirm your eligibility, please read CFHI’s general eligibility requirements.

The Sustainable Development Goals are a global roadmap set forth by the United Nations General Assembly to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure the well-being of all individuals by the year 2030. This program highlights the following SDGs:

Scholarships

FAQ

What alumni say about this program

Chetan A. Ohio State University College of Medicine, MS-2

“My experiences in India, although sometimes uncomfortable, brought me to the realization of the reality of different challenges you can face while participating in global health. This trip was a positive, interesting, and enlighting experience.”

Kimberly S. Wheaton College (MA), Pre-Health

“We were provided the very best services for making the experience safe and meaningful, including comfortable living conditions, food, local coordinators who invest a generous amount of care into assuring student safety, and partnership with very competent and compassionate doctors. It is always the student’s responsibility to make the best abroad experience, but CFHI provides services that are essential for this to happen in the first place.”

How to Apply

Create profile

Submit application

Hear back from CFHI team

Complete pre-departure training and requirements

Global Health in India (Dehradun & Rural Himalayas)

Program overview

About this program

Sarah Olson