Global Health Stream

Studying in health faculties at the University of Sydney provides many opportunities to have an international learning experience and to be involved in Global Health issues. The “Global Health Stream” is a new initiative for students in the Sydney Medical Program to explore areas of interest in Global Health.

Students from all years meet approximately once a month to hear a speaker on an issue of Global Health importance. Each student is also encouraged to identify a project or specific area of interest to work on and this might include preparing for an overseas option or elective placement, advocating for global health issues or simply learning more about a particular health problem or country. Students are linked up with appropriate people and resources to help develop their ideas.

Members of the group participate in online discussion with Global Health events and links regularly posted via Facebook.

If you are interested in joining the Global Health Stream please subscribe here.

Global Health Events Semester 2, 2009

Over the next 3 months there will be a number of related global health events hosted or promoted by the Office for Global Health. All medical students are welcome to attend. Please add the dates to your diaries & be inspired and challenged! These events will form the basis of the GH stream meetings for the rest of 2009.

Wednesday 19th August - Andrew Hewitt, Executive Director Oxfam Australia speaks at USyd
Venue: Eastern Ave Lecture Theatre (upstairs in Eastern Ave complex)
Time: 6.00pm for a 6.30pm start
His address will outline the “perfect storm” of the global financial crisis, climate change and the food crisis currently facing the world, and most severely affecting people in the developing world. He will also discuss why Australia should lead by example in helping developing countries address these challenges, and how we might be an effective force for social change, equity and justice.

Monday 24th August - Global Poverty Project Public Lecture and Panel Simon Moss from Make Poverty History & the Oaktree Foundation will present
"1.4 billion reasons" - an inspiring presentation to catalyse the movement to end extreme poverty
Date: Monday 24th August 2009
Time: 5.30-7.00pm
Venue: Eastern Ave, Auditorium, University of Sydney Free admission
www.globalpovertyproject.com
www.usyd.edu.au/global-health

Friday 28th August - Global Health Day
The Global Health Day is a joint initiative of the Sydney Medical School and of the Centre for Health Governance, Law and Ethics at Sydney Law School.
It aims to bring together leading scholars in the field for what promises to be an interesting and exciting day.
Date: Friday 28th August, 2009
Time: 9.00am-3.40pm
Venue: New Law Building, Camperdown Campus, University of Sydney
Registration: Full fee $35 (incl GST)
Student concession $15 (incl GST)
For further information and registration see www.medfac.usyd.edu.au or www.law.usyd.edu.au

Saturday 19th September - Breaking down silos
A whole day focus on the MDGs (tbc) Global Home members have proposed this one-day forum to invite students and faculty from across the university, along with non-government organisations & politicians to engage in debate about strategies for development, including health and its determinants. More details to come, but mark the date in your diary now.

Thursday 15th October - An Essential Guide to International Placements for Medical Students (tbc)
This workshop, new for 2009, will give students essential personal, clinical, cultural and ethical advice in preparation for international electives and ILAs. All students travelling abroad at the end of 2009 are urged to attend. More details to come re venue and the proposed time is 5.30-8.30pm.

2009 Meetings

• September 3rd - A conversation with the Indian Consul General, His Excellency Amit Dasgupta
  University of Sydney Global Health Stream members will have the opportunity to meet the Indian Consul General. You will be required to do some pre-reading about India & have the opportunity to put your questions to him.
  Please sign up to the GH Stream's new email list or request to join on Facebook
  Date: Thursday 3 September, 2009
  Time: 6.00-8.00pm
  Venue: Normal Gregg LT
• August 6th - A focus on India
  The Indian Consul General will speak and this is your chance to engage in a discussion with him about another important partner for Australia.
• July 9th - A focus on China
  With China as the most populous patient in the world, their health will inevitably impact globally. Dr David Bray will speak about the historical, political and social context of China's health in this age of reform.
• May - A focus on Timor-Leste
  Three of our AusAid fellows from Timor-Leste spoke about the history, government and health systems in their home country & shared their impressions of Australia and plans for change in their workplace on return.

2008 Meetings

• November – Cultural Intelligence: How not to offend
  Cynthia Hunter gave us some practical tips on culture and cultural awareness, particularly on how to make the most of a health placement abroad, bearing cultural factors in mind.
• October – Humanitarian and Emergency work in post-conflict countries
  Bronwen Blake enthralled us with stories about working with refugees in Africa and Asia. We heard about managing cholera outbreaks and delivering health services in incredibly challenging environments.
• August – Three Peaks in Three Weeks
  Brie Koch and Alex Longes showed their film and spoke inspirationally about climbing the three highest peaks in Africa to raise awareness and funds for three big issues facing that continent – environment, education and HIV/AIDs.

Global Health Stream Student Projects

Over the coming months, students will be posting updates about their projects on this part of the website. They include global health issues in Cambodia, India, China, Papua New Guinea, Fiji and Timor-Leste. There is also a major project about the Millenium Development Goals. Watch this space!