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PAUL FARMER GLOBAL SURGERY RESEARCH COLLABORATOR

Program Overview

 

The PGSSC was founded in 2010 in response to the lack of surgery in global health. In 2015, The Lancet Commission for Global Surgery drew global attention to the urgent need for development in providing safe and timely access to surgical care. This led to significant expansion within this field, establishing a global network of partnerships. PGSSC has since evolved from clinical fellowships to fellowships focused on research and policy, always striving to respond to the current needs in the growing field of global surgery.

 

Position Overview

 

Global Surgery Research Collaborators will be appointed for a period of one year within the Paul Farmer Global Surgery Fellowship program. Graduate Students must be internally motivated and dedicated, possess experience working in multidisciplinary teams, have the capacity to communicate with internal and external collaborators, and be flexible. The Graduate Student will work with surgical residents, fellows, and faculty conducting global surgery research, advocacy, and capacity-building projects. He or she must be willing to travel internationally to aid in these processes. Learning opportunities include an introduction to global health and global surgery, as well as research and public health experience. There is currently no funding guaranteed for successful applicants.

 

Responsibilities

 

  • Gain a background in global health and surgery

  • Independently work on research projects

  • Data analysis

  • Work with a multidisciplinary research and advocacy team

  • Carry forward ongoing activities

  • Help to build relationships with collaborators

  • Communicate project expectations and progress to team members and stakeholders in a timely fashion

  • Track project milestones and deliverables  

  • Develop and deliver progress reports, proposals, and presentations

  • Report to project leadership regularly

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Position Requirements

 

  • Students currently in a health-related graduate degree, such as an MD (or international equivalent)  

  • Completion of at least some clinical clerkships, including surgery, obstetrics, or anesthesiology

  • Interest, and ideally experience, in global health and international service

  • Interest in pursuing a career in surgery, anesthesia, or OB/GYN

  • Prior experience with public health, epidemiology, and biostatistics is helpful, but not required

  • Familiarity with basic data analysis software (Microsoft Excel, Access)

  • Experience working independently and in a team environment

  • Strong written and oral communication skills

  • Ability to research and troubleshoot project-related issues

 

Application Information

A completed application consists of the following:

 

  • A completed Paul Farmer Global Surgery application

  • Two letters of recommendation (these can be sent separately to the PGSSC email below or attached to your application materials).  

  • Curriculum Vitae,

    • Focused on Global Surgery activities

    • Limited to 2 pages + additional page for publications 

  • A Personal Statement  (limited to 1 page). This statement should attempt to address some or all of the following components:

    • Commitment to Global Surgery

    • Recognition of the need for social justice and equity in GS

    • How you will benefit from the fellowship

    • What you can contribute to the PGSSC **

  • Commentary (should be limited to 400 words). This commentary should attempt to address one of the following topics:

    • Neocolonialism and Racism in Global Surgery

    • Publishing/authorship equity in Global Surgery Research

    • Importance of surgery in health system strengthening

    • Climate change and global surgery

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All application materials and questions should be emailed to PGSSCBoston@gmail.com.

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