Global Health and Social Justice Program

A 2-4 week rotation in a low-middle income country (LMIC) where residents participate in direct patient care, medical education, and research. From 2013 to 2019, we partnered with Gulu University in Uganda in a mutually beneficial relationship that fosters bidirectional learning and clinical teaching. Currently, we have established a partnership with the San Lucas Clinic in Valladolid, Mexico. 

A 1-month rotation in rural Oklahoma that provides resident physicians an opportunity to learn and assist in the care of populations that are less commonly encountered in the urban environment of Oklahoma City. Such a partnership aims to be mutually beneficial to both the host institution as well to the visiting learner by fostering collaboration in direct patient care, education, and research to ultimately improve health outcomes for underserved Oklahomans.

A 1-month rotation within Oklahoma City where residents work in a variety of community clinics for uninsured/underinsured patients in addition to visiting outreach advocacy programs taht provide resources for disadvantaged members of the community. Such advocacy partners include the Homeless Alliance, City Rescue Mission, Northcare, and the Regional Food Bank. 

"I had the opportunity of rotating through the Advocacy month as well as spending time in Uganda twice in my residency. Both experiences taught me a great deal and left an indelible mark on me as I begin my career as a physician. During my advocacy rotation, I worked in various charity clinics in the city and saw what resources were available to vulnerable populations. I also learned more about food deserts and the disparities that exist due to socioeconomic determinants of health. Exposure to this rotation readied me for my travel to Uganda. Referral to a tertiary care center from the clinic where we practiced required an 8-hour ride on a two-wheeler through rocky mountain terrain, hence it was imperative for us to think innovatively and use our resources wisely. We were saddened when we came face to face with the untimely death of children due to preventable diseases but were also inspired by the local practitioners whose enthusiasm to serve their community and desire to learn challenged us to do the same." 

- Jesintha Stephenson, MD

- Kathy Hoang, MD 

"The global health lecture series and elective abroad deepened my understanding of the issues facing resource limited populations and provided a hands on experience treating tropical diseases.  It also motivated me to think about effective and judicious allocation of resources at home, and increased my desire to advocate for patients with limited access to health care."
-Teresa Yanchak, MD
 

"The best part about my experience in Uganda was how it broadened my perception of health care in general. In Oklahoma City I get to practice medicine with the maximum amount of resources available to me. In Uganda, care was provided with hardly any resources at all. This was very eye-opening to me and gave me a new appreciation for how to best use our resources in the States effectively."
- Taha Khan, MD