Global Medicine joins Population and Public Health Sciences

By Ginny DeFrank
Our department just got a little bigger.
The Master of Science in Global Medicine has joined the educational programs in the Department of Population and Public Health Sciences. Formerly based in the Department of Medical Educational Affairs, the Global Medicine program adds new areas of focus and study to the already robust offerings of PPHS.

The one-year program led by director Elahe Nezami, PhD, prepares future health professionals to provide patient-centered care by developing an understanding of how social and cultural factors affect individual health.  Students expand their knowledge of health challenges and care provision in local and global contexts through a variety of core and elective courses. By honing skills to analyze critical issues in health care and gaining familiarity with the functionality of interprofessional health care teams, students are better equipped to serve patients in eventual careers as physicians, dentists, pharmacists, and other clinical specialties.
“We enthusiastically welcome our Global Medicine colleagues and students to the department,” said Howard Hu, MD, MPH, ScD, professor and Flora L. Thornton Chair of the Department of Population and Public Health Sciences. “Their educational efforts strengthen our efforts to champion health equity for all people locally and globally.”
Global Medicine students have the benefit of learning from leading researchers, practicing physicians, and experts who work to respond to health care challenges in diverse locations around the world. With professional workshop offerings and dedicated alumni who share their journeys with students after graduation, the Global Medicine program is a unique new addition to PPHS academic programming.
“We are delighted to become a part of Population and Public Health Sciences and look forward to many bright years ahead collaborating with the talented faculty whose expertise will only add to the excellence of Global Medicine,” Nezami said. “We have built a strong Global Medicine family of students, faculty, staff, and alumni for more than a decade, and we are glad to join a department devoted to ensuring improved health for all.”
Look for more updates about Global Medicine throughout the semester or visit msgm.usc.edu.