G2.01 - Learning Lab: From Waco to West Africa: Case Studies of Academic-practice Partnerships for Global Health Training

Brief Abstract Summary: Discover how a MPH online program has successfully partnered with an international non-profit organization to provide global health training for students in the form of internships spanning across topics such as improving malnutrition, pregnancy prevention, cervical cancer screening and HPV vaccination, promoting sexual and reproductive health and rights units (SRHR) in Ghana. During this learning lab, presenters will discuss the process of preparing students for a successful transition from their coursework to their global internship through a focused review of MPH foundational competencies, community health concentration competencies and a guided proposal development process. Furthermore, we will describe strategies to mentoring students throughout their internship and fostering an optimal learning environment in a global public health setting.

Detailed abstract description: Background
Recent public health challenges such as COVID-19 and re-emergence of disease outbreaks (e.g., measles and monkeypox) have highlighted the importance of maintaining a global outlook as we train future generations of public health practitioners. This requires collaboration between academic institutions and organizations to provide opportunities for students, faculty and leaders to engage with public health practice at a global level. This learning lab focuses on how a graduate level online public health program based out of a university in Waco, Texas developed a systematic process for grounding its students in foundational and concentration competencies, in addition to principles for effective interprofessional collaboration, as they prepare for engaging in mutual learning and guided practice with a global non-profit organization - Child and Family Health International (CFHI) - on priority public health issues.
Methods
Coupled with the academic preparation, this global non-profit organization’s team of seasoned medical and public health practitioners mentor public health practitioners in training to apply their relevant skills, knowledge, and values in a real-world setting. Trainees work directly with a CFHI preceptor on all aspects of the practicum throughout the project lifecycle, fostering a meaningful learning experience. Students engage in summative academic exercises to cement their newly acquired knowledge and skills as they reflect on how they have grown and demonstrated fulfilled MPH foundational and concentration-specific competencies. Over the past 3 years, students have successfully completed 4 projects - these projects will be discussed as case studies.
Results
To date, trainees who have completed a global health training through this partnership have attested to the asset-based community development approach as a unique lens through which they can translate their in-class knowledge into practice. All their work products have fulfilled the MPH foundational and community health science concentration competencies. These experiential experiences albeit virtually delivered still offered cultural immersion with the preceptor’s guidance and were in alignment with adult learning theories, as trainees took ownership of their own learning journey and were held accountable for the successful completion of their work products.

Conclusions/Future Implications
Academic-Practice partnerships in global health are essential for ensuring that an applied practice experience or practicum offers authentic and enriching educational experiences, preparing students for the realities and opportunities in the workforce. We recommend that academic institutions recognize the importance of such partnerships in developing global public health scholars and practitioners who are prepared to effectively manage global health realities.