The Global Health Initiative Program (GHI) was implemented by the collaboration between The Institute of Population, Health and Development and the John Sloan Dickey Center for International Understanding, Dartmouth College, herein referred to as “Dickey Center”, USA. This is a trial program of collaborative research based on providing internship opportunities for medical students and practicing physicians from Dartmouth College.
The aim of the GHI program are to determine the feasibility of the application of science, technology and advanced techniques in health care from Western countries in Vietnam through research, collaboration, and sharing with foreign research groups. PHAD provided professional skills on project management, project implementation and scientific research for Dartmouth’s students.
2014 was the first year PHAD and the Dickey center coordinated the implementation of the GHI program. Three students undertook separate research projects over two months from July 1st to September 1st, 2014. In 2015 PHAD is hosting three students who are undertaking research projects focusing on mental health.
In addition, the students also had a chance to explore Vietnamese culture by staying with Vietnamese host families. Students developed a good relationship with their Vietnamese families and pledged to stay in touch after the program ended.