Fellowship Description:

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The Paul Farmer Global Surgery Fellowship, Obstetrics and Gynecology track was created by Boston Children’s Hospital in collaboration with Partners In Health and the Program in Global Surgery and Social Change (PGSSC) at Harvard Medical School. The purpose of the Fellowship is to train leaders who will further promote global obstetrics and gynecological care, education, research, and policy development within the field of global surgery in resource poor settings around the world. Fellows will also develop academic, policy, advocacy, and administrative skills in global surgery, public health, and surgical systems development. Obstetrics and gynecology is a core component of global surgical care and fellows will engage in projects which quantify and address the need for ob/gyn provision in low and middle income countries (LMICs), currently the program has obstetrics projects based in Rwanda, Tanzania, and Brazil. Projects will mainly focus on maternal health but there will be an opportunities to participate in gynecology related research. In addition, ob/gyn research fellows will have the opportunity and will be expected to work alongside the surgical and anesthesia fellows and staff in our program on surgery and anesthesia projects.

 

The hallmark and priority of this program is to provide Fellows the opportunity to learn the research and business management skills necessary to develop and manage surgical care delivery and research in low and middle income countries.

 

The main focus of the Paul Farmer Global Surgery Fellowship, Obstetrics and Gynecology track curriculum revolves around education, research, and the provision of surgical care. Fellows are expected to work collaboratively and participate in the education and training of other residents and medical students that may be working as part of the Program in Global Surgery and Social Change.

 

Fellowship Structure

 

Duration: 24 months

 

Curriculum: Divided between (1) Research, (2) International surgical care and systems strengthening and education, (3) Local and international policy and advocacy, and (4) Masters of Public Health at Harvard School of Public Health (optional)

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1. Research: Fellows will conduct clinical and health care service research related to global obstetrics and gynecology, surgery, and anesthesia. Potential topics may include research focused on the burden of surgical disease in LMICs, local surgical capacity strengthening, clinical outcomes, cost effectiveness, and the implementation of innovative and/or disruptive technologies in resource-poor settings. Fellows will also be expected to gain experience writing grant proposals to obtain funding for research projects and working with IRBs.

2. International surgical care and systems strengthening and education: Fellows will develop and monitor research projects at various stages of implementation. Fellows will also gain firsthand experience in surgical care delivery and program development, public health, human rights, and training of local providers.

3. Policy and Advocacy: Fellows are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the global surgery agenda and will have the opportunity to participate in activities of the EESC at the WHO as well as other international organizations such as the WFSA, G4 Alliance and COSECA

4. Masters of Public Health: If they choose to do so, Fellows may pursue a Masters Degree in Public Health through the Harvard Chan School of Public Health during the Fellowship. The MPH degree can be started through the Summer Program in Clinical Effectiveness at the Harvard School of Public Health. Separate applications to these programs are required; acceptance into the Paul Farmer Global Surgery Fellowship does not guarantee acceptance into the MPH program.

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Goals:

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1. To train leaders in global surgery, anesthesia and obstetric care.

2. To advance the specialty of global obstetrics and gynecology through education in resource poor settings worldwide.

3. To develop, implement, and evaluate clinical and health care delivery research in LMICs based on a formal education in public health and clinical effectiveness.

4. To mentor colleagues, including residents, medical students, and in-country collaborators, in the development of a global ob/gyn research agenda.

5. To develop a knowledge of global public health issues, governmental and non-governmental organizations, and health care infrastructure around the world.

 

Application Information

 

In order to apply for the Paul Farmer Global Surgery Fellowship, Obstetrics and Gynecology track, please fill out the application.

 

In addition to submitting a completed application, please be sure to also include:

 

• Current Curriculum Vitae listing all research, work, and volunteer experiences. In addition, please list any international experiences you have had (include location, dates, and nature of involvement)

• A Personal Statement. This statement should describe your interest in and commitment to expanding the field of global obstetrics and gynecology. Please also explain how you feel that you might benefit from this fellowship and how Obstetrics and Gynecology fits within the broader field of global surgery and anesthesia. Personal statements should be limited to one single- spaced page

• Three letters of recommendation, at least one of which must be from residency director or chairman

• Official transcript of USMLE or Non-US equivalent test results

• Official medical school transcript

 

All application materials and questions should be emailed to PGSSCBoston@gmail.com. It is acceptable to have your letters of recommendation and transcripts sent to us separately. If your application is not complete, we will not consider you for this cycle. 

 

If you choose to send your application materials via post, please send to the following address:

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The PGSSC

641 Huntington Avenue

Boston, MA 02115