Sri Lanka

Duke forged its research and education collaboration in 2006 with the University of Ruhuna’s Faculty of Medicine located in Galle, Sri Lanka, an area severely affected by the 2004 tsunami. What began as an epidemiologic and clinically-focused collaboration has expanded to include emerging infectious diseases, aging, occupational health, and mental health research, as well as diverse opportunities for Duke trainees and students undertaking clinical electives and mentored, field-based research through DGHI’s MSc-GH. Duke undergraduates, through the Student Research Training program, are also addressing community health issues affecting tea plantation workers in partnership with faculty at the University of Ruhuna and the NGO CARITAS in Galle. The University of Ruhuna has also hosted Duke’s global health residents in Obstetrics, Pediatrics, and Psychiatry, as well as Duke’s Physician Assistant and Physical Therapy students undertaking international clinical rotations.

Strong research and training partnerships are under way with the University of Ruhuna’s Faculty of Medicine.