Concentration in Global Health and Social Accountability

The Concentration in Global Health and Social Accountability is open to all Faculty of Medicine learners, including students, residents, and fellows. The concentration consists of a set of experiential learning activities that learners can select and complete based on their specific interests, including social accountability, the social determinants of health and their impact on health inequities, and the healthcare needs of marginalized populations in Canada. The scope of the concentration also includes planetary health, and Indigenous health.

While the FoM’s global health initiatives focus on addressing the international and transnational aspects of global health education and practice, the Office of Social Accountability oversees programs and activities addressing the health needs of vulnerable populations within Canada. Given the synergies between these mandates, the IGHO and Office of Social Accountability collaborate on several initiatives and Faculty learners can explore both their global health and social accountability interests through the concentration. Learners get to participate in experiential learning activities, attend seminars, workshops, conferences and symposiums as well as lead their own activities.

Format

The concentration emphasizes participation in experiential learning activities and provides resources for students to undertake further optional self-directed learning.

Duration

The concentration may be completed over a period of 1-4 years.

Assessment

The assessment entails both qualitative and quantitative components based on participation in activities and student reflections on their experiences.

• Qualitative: At the end of each term, students are required to submit brief (maximum half-page) reflections on their participation in activities as they relate to competencies in global health and social accountability. These written reflections are designed to encourage self-reflection as a critical component of professional development, cultural competency and the application of knowledge.
• Quantitative: Activities are assigned points based on their duration and level of effort.

Steps to register in the concentration

1. To register in the Concentration in Global Health and Social Accountability please complete the Concentration in Global Health and Social Accountability Registration Form.
2. Once registered, you will be added to the Brightspace course where you will be able to submit your reflections on the activities you participated in and learn more about the different activities you could engage in.
3. If you consent in your application form, you will be added to our mailing list where you will receive regular updates on upcoming activities.
4. Once your application has been reviewed and processed, you will a confirmation email from [email protected] and you can start submitting your reflections and earning points.

Recognition

Learners who earn a minimum of 50 points will receive a certificate of achievement outlining the activities they participated in. This recognition can be included on the learner's CV.

Special requests

To request points for an activity that is not included in the list below, you must fill out the special request form before (pre-approval) or after (retroactive) your activity. Please note that points cannot be requested for activities that took place before your year of enrollment.

Please note that UGME mandatory Community Service Learning will not count toward the concentration.

Point value for identified activities of the Concentration in Global Health and Social Accountability