DGHI and the Duke University School of Medicine offer numerous opportunities for medical students and trainees to understand and address global health issues as they pursue medical studies. Whether you are entering medical school or starting a residency, these options provide unique access to learn global health with our partners around the world. 

The Third-Year Global Health Study Program is a centralized resource for information, mentors, funding and research opportunities related to global health for Duke medical students. We help you identify, coordinate and find funding for research projects focused on reducing health disparities in low- and middle-income settings.

We will connect you with a mentor who is currently involved in global health research, at Duke and abroad. The program provides orientation on the responsible conduct of research, cross-cultural competency and travel safety, as well as guidance on identifying and applying for external global health research opportunities and funding. You can undertake laboratory or clinical research in a variety of settings, from hospitals to community-based clinics or service organizations. Opportunities are strongest in locations where Duke has well-established research partnerships, such as Moshi, Tanzania; Eldoret, Kenya; and Galle, Sri Lanka.

Combined MD/MS-GH

You can complete a Master of Science in Global Health and an MD in five years total. Through an interdisciplinary curriculum, rigorous field-based research and mentorship provided by expert faculty, the joint MD/MS-GH program prepares you to contribute to the design, implementation and management of health programs.

The School of Medicine and the Graduate School offer a limited number of scholarships. You will automatically be considered for funding when you apply.

Funding

We offer $15,000 grants to rising third-year medical students who seek to conduct research in areas significantly impacted by health disparities. A number of internal and external scholarships are also available.

The Global Health Pathway provides Duke residents and fellows opportunities for intensive global health training. Trainees in the pathway complete courses in the Master of Science in Global Health (MS-GH) program while conducting faculty-mentored research in their area of specialty. 

The Hubert-Yeargan Center for Global Health provides Duke residents opportunities to participate in eight week clinical/service elective rotations with global partners in under resourced settings.  Unlike the Global Health Pathway which is designed for individuals interested in an academic research career in global health, the elective rotations emphasize clinical service, observerships and teaching.