The University of Southern California (USC) is renowned for its innovative approach to medical education, integrating real-world impact into the training of its students. This commitment is exemplified by the summer program offered by the USC Institute on Inequalities in Global Health and the Keck School of Medicine, which allows medical students to influence global health policies directly. This article explores how USC medical students are shaping global health policies through this unique program.
USC’s Commitment to Real-World Impact
Integrating Clinical Work and Research
USC’s medical curriculum emphasizes hands-on experience from the outset. Students engage in clinical work and research early in their training, allowing them to make tangible contributions to their communities. This approach ensures that future physicians are not only skilled in medical practice but also in addressing broader health challenges. The integration of clinical practice and research fosters a deep understanding of healthcare systems and the complexities of patient care, equipping students with the knowledge and skills necessary to address the pressing health issues of our time.
Furthermore, the opportunity to engage in research projects empowers students to explore their specific interests and contribute to the advancement of medical science. By participating in research, students develop critical thinking and problem-solving abilities, which are essential for effective medical practice. USC’s focus on experiential learning is designed to produce well-rounded physicians who are prepared to tackle the challenges of modern healthcare and make meaningful contributions to global health.
The Capitol Campus Initiative
A significant extension of USC’s hands-on approach is the Capitol Campus in Washington, D.C. This initiative provides medical students with the opportunity to engage directly with global health policy. By working in the nation’s capital, students can influence health policies that address critical global challenges, bridging the gap between clinical practice and policy-making. The Capitol Campus initiative allows students to gain unparalleled insights into the intricacies of health policy and the processes that drive decision-making at national and international levels.
Through the Capitol Campus initiative, students have the chance to collaborate with government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and think tanks. This exposure not only broadens their understanding of global health issues but also equips them with the skills necessary to advocate for policy changes. The initiative serves as a platform for students to apply their clinical knowledge in a policy context, fostering a holistic approach to healthcare that encompasses both patient care and health system reform.
The Inaugural Summer Global Health Policy Scholars
Jonah Phipps and Noah Green
Following their first year in medical school, Jonah Phipps and Noah Green became USC’s inaugural summer global health policy scholars. They participated in a six-week program in Washington, D.C., where they collaborated with a U.S. State Department agency and HelpAge USA, a nonprofit organization. This experience allowed them to contribute to ongoing projects aimed at shaping health policies. The scholars engaged in rigorous research, policy analysis, and advocacy efforts, honing their skills in addressing complex health issues on a global scale.
Jonah Phipps focused his efforts on HIV prevention for older women in sub-Saharan Africa, a demographic often overlooked in HIV research and prevention initiatives. Partnering with HelpAge USA, Phipps aimed to address the health inequities faced by older women in resource-limited settings. His work involved comprehensive research to understand the unique challenges faced by this population and developing policy recommendations to enhance HIV prevention and care services.
Focus Areas and Contributions
Phipps and Green focused on different aspects of global health. Phipps worked on HIV prevention for older women in sub-Saharan Africa, while Green tackled the issue of forced anal “examinations” in countries where homosexuality is stigmatized or outlawed. Their work not only met their degree’s research requirements but also had the potential to influence significant policy changes. Green’s dedication to LGBTQIA+ health issues led him to collaborate with the U.S. Special Envoy to Advance the Human Rights of LGBTQI+ Persons, where he researched instances of forced anal examinations and provided evidence-based recommendations for policy action.
The contributions of Phipps and Green highlight the vital role of medical students in addressing global health challenges through policy engagement. Their projects demonstrate the interconnectedness of clinical care and health policy, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive approach to healthcare that addresses the social determinants of health. By shaping health policies, these scholars are laying the groundwork for more equitable and inclusive health systems that serve diverse populations.
Addressing LGBTQIA+ Health Issues
Noah Green’s Advocacy
Noah Green’s focus centered on improving the health and well-being of LGBTQIA+ individuals. His involvement in gender-affirming and reproductive health services, as well as counseling LGBTQIA+ youth in crisis, reflects his commitment to this cause. At the Capitol Campus, Green worked on a policy memo addressing forced anal “examinations,” a practice used to persecute LGBTQIA+ individuals in some nations. Green’s advocacy efforts aimed to bring attention to the human rights violations faced by LGBTQIA+ individuals and to promote policies that protect their dignity and well-being.
Green’s policy memo summarized evidence of forced anal examinations in 19 nations, detailing instances where the practice is newly documented, ongoing, or declining. Despite the challenges in researching this clandestine topic, Green’s efforts could influence U.S. government actions and potentially limit the practice through sanctions or other policies. His work underscored the importance of addressing the systemic discrimination and violence faced by LGBTQIA+ individuals and the role of health policy in safeguarding human rights.
Policy Memo and Recommendations
The memo included recommendations for reducing forced examinations, holding perpetrators accountable, and updating terminology to reflect the cruelty of the practice. Green’s work on the policy memo involved extensive research and collaboration with experts in the field to develop evidence-based recommendations. His efforts emphasized the need for comprehensive policy measures that not only address the immediate issue of forced anal examinations but also promote broader systemic changes to protect LGBTQIA+ rights.
Green’s advocacy highlights the importance of involving medical professionals in policy discussions related to human rights and health equity. By addressing the structural determinants of health, Green’s work contributes to creating a more inclusive and equitable healthcare system. His dedication to LGBTQIA+ health issues serves as an inspiration for future medical professionals to engage in advocacy and policy work to address the needs of marginalized communities.
Combating HIV in Older Women
Jonah Phipps’ Focus on Sub-Saharan Africa
Jonah Phipps focused on HIV prevention for older women in sub-Saharan Africa, partnering with HelpAge USA. This organization advocates for the rights of older people, particularly in resource-limited areas. Phipps aimed to address health injustices affecting marginalized populations, with a specific focus on women over 50, a demographic often overlooked in HIV research and prevention efforts. His project aimed to raise awareness about the unique challenges faced by older women in accessing HIV prevention and care services.
Phipps’ work involved conducting comprehensive research on the barriers to HIV prevention and care for older women in sub-Saharan Africa. He examined the social, cultural, and economic factors that contribute to the increased vulnerability of this demographic to HIV infection. Phipps’ research highlighted the need for targeted interventions and policy measures to address the specific needs of older women and to ensure their inclusion in HIV prevention programs.
Policy Memo and Advocacy
Phipps’ policy memo called for more research focused on older women in sub-Saharan Africa, increased funding for prevention efforts, and greater advocacy and policy actions. He emphasized the importance of accurate information to counteract stigmas, particularly the misconception that older adults are not sexually active. Phipps’ work was well-received by HelpAge USA and highlighted the inequities affecting older women living with HIV in Southern Africa.
Phipps’ advocacy efforts aimed to promote a more inclusive approach to HIV prevention and care that recognizes the needs of older women. His recommendations included the development of age-appropriate HIV prevention programs, the inclusion of older women in research studies, and the allocation of resources to support targeted interventions. Phipps’ work underscores the importance of addressing the unique health needs of marginalized populations and the role of policy in promoting health equity.
The Role of USC Faculty and Support
Program Development and Management
The summer program was developed by Taylor Burkholder, MD, and Jonathan Cohen, JD, with support from the dean’s office at the Keck School of Medicine and Jeffrey Riddell, MD. Burkholder and Cohen emphasized the importance of connecting USC medical students to national and international decision-making processes affecting health sciences. Their guidance and support were crucial in the success of the program and the students’ projects. The program’s development involved careful planning and coordination to ensure that students had access to valuable learning and advocacy opportunities.
Burkholder and Cohen’s leadership played a pivotal role in shaping the direction of the summer program and in providing students with the mentorship and resources needed to succeed. Their commitment to fostering a culture of advocacy and policy engagement among medical students is evident in the program’s outcomes. The support from the dean’s office and other faculty members at the Keck School of Medicine further highlights USC’s dedication to promoting global health and health equity.
Impact on Students’ Future Careers
The experiences of Phipps and Green in the summer program have reinforced their approach to the medical field, emphasizing the broader responsibilities of physicians beyond individual patient care. Their work in global health policy has provided them with valuable insights and skills that will shape their future careers as leaders and advocates in the medical community. The exposure to policy-making processes and advocacy efforts has equipped them with the tools to address health inequities and promote systemic changes.
The impact of the summer program on the careers of Phipps and Green is a testament to the importance of integrating policy and advocacy training into medical education. By fostering a deeper understanding of the interconnections between clinical care and health policy, the program prepares future physicians to take on leadership roles in addressing global health challenges. Phipps and Green’s experiences illustrate the potential of medical students to drive policy changes and advocate for marginalized populations, reinforcing the vital role of physicians as agents of social change.
Conclusion
The University of Southern California (USC) is well-known for its cutting-edge approach to medical education, emphasizing the importance of real-world application in its training programs. This dedication to practical impact is showcased through a summer program offered by the USC Institute on Inequalities in Global Health in collaboration with the Keck School of Medicine. This unique initiative provides medical students the invaluable opportunity to directly engage with and influence global health policies.
By participating in this program, students gain hands-on experience and insight into the complexities of global health challenges. They work alongside leading professionals and policymakers, contributing their fresh perspectives and innovative ideas to address pressing health issues worldwide. The program not only enhances the students’ medical education but also empowers them to make a tangible difference in global health outcomes.
This initiative reflects USC’s broader commitment to integrating academic rigor with real-world impact, preparing the next generation of medical professionals to be not only skilled clinicians but also influential advocates for health equity and policy reform on a global scale. Through this program, USC is shaping future leaders who are equipped to drive positive changes in global health, bridging the gap between education and practical, impactful action.
