Kaiser Permanente Bernard J. Tyson School of Medicine (KPSOM) recently announced the launch of its Global Health Initiative as a member of the AMPATH Consortium, an international network of universities and academic health centers that aims to foster equitable, long-term partnerships with universities and health centers in developing countries.
Through the AMPATH (Academic Model Providing Access to Healthcare) program, each participating institution brings its own perspective and provides its own opportunities for medical trainee exchange programs and hands-on education. KPSOM is partnering with Moi University and Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH) in Eldoret, Kenya to support global health education there. The school’s effort was spearheaded by Jeff Brettler, MD, Interim Faculty Director for Global Health and Assistant Professor of Health Systems Science, and the global health team, which includes Maureen Connelly, MD, MPH, Senior Associate Dean for Academic and Community Affairs, Kristopher Pratt, Community Engagement Coordinator, Chai Saelee, Business Consultant, and members of the Global Health Student Interest Group.
“We are so proud to partner with the AMPATH Consortium in the kick-off of our school’s Global Health Program,” said Brettler. “This amazing organization has fostered a program dedicated to meeting populations' physical, mental, social health, and well-being needs within each host country with mutually beneficial, long-term engagement for all participants.”
Following an online application process, several KPSOM students were selected to take part in a month-long rotation in Kenya, focusing on internal medicine and pediatrics. KPSOM students Isabelle “Izzy” Franklin, Ellie Fratt, Benjamin Metrikin, and Emilia Zevallos-Roberts will take part in daily rounds and related patient care activities at the Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital starting August 14, to better understand the management of common diseases and clinical presentation in Kenya.
According to the global health team, students will have an opportunity to: deepen their proficiency in history and physical examination skills; learn the structure of medical care delivery and education in Kenya; develop skills in effective cross-cultural communication; develop collegial relationships with Kenyan healthcare professionals and students while practicing cultural humility; and acquire skills that will facilitate the practice of compassionate, cost-effective medicine in the U.S. by enhanced sensitivity to culture and diversity and increased reliance on physical diagnostic skills.
KPSOM students will also collaborate with Moi University School of Medicine students, students from Indiana University (the primary organizer of AMPATH), Kenyan colleagues, AMPATH consortium partners, and multidisciplinary teams throughout the program’s term, which continues through September 10, 2023.
