January 27, 2016
Global health work and training in underserved areas presents unique opportunities to serve and to learn, but also increases exposure to safety risks. The recent Ebola outbreak in West Africa, the Nepal earthquake, and the current refugee crisis in Europe and the Middle East highlights the need for a strong focus on the health, safety, and security of those working and training globally. The growth of academic global health programs has resulted in increased numbers of staff and students traveling to the field and global health sites, many of which are increasingly remote and in resource limited environments.
The threats faced are as diverse as the locations traveled to, ranging from infectious disease exposure in Uganda, to road traffic accidents in India, or terrorist threats in Kenya. Therefore, a key component of global health programming is the safety of the staff and participants. Global health programs have a duty to properly prepare and train staff, faculty and students prior to departure. Health care workers and their employers must understand their respective roles in the protection and support of their global health workforce, including their legal responsibilities, minimum operational standards, and support structures.
This webinar consisted of short presentations with case discussion from the headquarters and field perspective including important roles and responsibilities within organizations and what are the most pressing issues related to health, safety, and security of deploying faculty, students and staff.
Introduction made by:
Joseph Kolars, MD
Senior Associate Dean for Education and Global Initiatives
Josiah Macy, Jr., Professor of Health Professions Education
Professor of Internal Medicine
Moderator:
Miriam Aschkenasy, Massachusetts General Hospital, Global Disaster Response
Deputy Director
Speakers:
Hilarie Cranmer, Massachusetts General Hospital, Global Disaster Response
Director
Ryan Wildes, Massachusetts General Hospital, Global Disaster Response
Manager, International Risk Management, Partners Risk and Insurance Service
Ryan Carroll, Massachusetts General Hospital, Pediatric Critical Care Medicine, and Global Health Collaborative (a joint initiative between MGH and the Mbarara University of Science & Technology, Uganda)
Program Director
Sarah Graham, Global Health Collaborative (a joint initiative between MGH and the Mbarara University of Science & Technology, Uganda)
Program Manager