This program is tailored to residents passionate about making a global impact.

Purpose

The MHIGH Global Health (GH) Honors Program is designed to prepare UAB residents for careers dedicated to advancing health on a global scale. Through immersive experiences, academic enrichment, and meaningful scholarship, students will develop the skills and knowledge needed to grow into experts in global health.

Program Requirements / Curriculum

To complete the MHIGH Global Health Honors Program, trainees must:

• Attend 6 Global Health Seminars (Virtual)

  • The goal of these seminars is to offer foundational knowledge and emerging insights in global health. Some of examples of organizations on campus that host these are MHIGH, CFAR, Sparkman, Global Surgery Journal Club, etc. They are usually held virtually and allow flexibility while fostering a shared learning space with peers and global health experts. The goal of attendance is to help residents build core competencies and stay informed on global challenges and innovations.

• Participate in University-Wide Global Health Conference (UAB Symposium)

  • The UAB Symposium is held every other year. It is a university-wide conference that showcases global health. It provides an opportunity for residents to learn from leaders in the field and network with fellow global health advocates. Participation during PGY-3 or PGY-4 aligns with more advanced stages of medical education and scholarly engagement.

• Complete a Scholarly Project

  • Choose from: Research Project, Presentation, Poster, or Published Article
    The scholarly project encourages residents to investigate a global health topic of interest through research or academic scholarship. This could include a formal research study, a case report or analysis, a conference poster, or a published article. The goal is to develop analytical and communication skills while contributing meaningfully to the global health knowledge base. This experience allows for engagement with active global health faculty.

• Engage in a Global Health Experience

  • The goal of this experience is to allow residents to participate in clinical, research, or educational work in a Low-Middle Income Country. These trips foster understanding, adaptability, and hands-on engagement while developing global competencies. If barriers exist to physically participating, remote experiences are also an option.

• Join a Specialty-Specific National Interest Group or Professional Society

  • The goal of residents joining a special-specific national or international professional organization is to allow access to mentorship, academic resources, and global health networks. This membership encourages professional development and positions residents within broader movements advancing global health in their discipline.

• Pursue Additional Training (Recommended)

  • UAB Master of Science in Global Health or a Global Health Certificate
    While not required, it is highly recommended that residents pursue the UAB Master’s in Science in Global Health or Global Health Certificate to allow in-depth academic training in enhancing both the honors experience and future career readiness in global health research and practice.

Application

• Submit your CV and a short statement of interest that outlines any prior global health experience (if applicable) (250–500 words)

• Email application materials to: Abril Agnew at abrilbagnew@uabmc.edu

Upon completion of residency, participants will receive a Certificate acknowledging Global Health Honors.

Contact

For questions or additional information please contact abrilbagnew@uabmc.edu.