Global Health
The Wide-Reaching Effects of Global Health
Because the health of patients within U.S. borders is affected by the health of populations worldwide, and health outcomes in other countries can be affected by developments in the U.S., you have a significant stake in global health issues.
100 million
Approximate number of people forcibly displaced globally in 20221
73,300
Approximate number of refugees resettled annually in the U.S. over the last 43 years2
45.3 million
Approximate number of foreign-born people living in U.S.3
AAFP Center for Global Health Initiatives (CGHI)
The AAFP Center for Global Health Initiatives (CGHI) offers education, resources, and support to AAFP members interested in global health in the U.S. (global-local) and internationally. The CGHI oversees global health-related activities and involvements throughout the AAFP, encompassing the creation of educational content, collaboration with aligned organizations, and events like the Global Health Summit and FMX .
The CGHI Advisory Group aims to provide family physicians with subject matter expertise and valuable input concerning the AAFP’s global health endeavors.
Past sessions are available on demand.
Keep the conversation going through the Global Health Member Interest Group community. Join the group today.
The Global Health Webinar Series is made possible by a grant from the American Academy of Family Physicians Foundation.
Global Health Information and Resources
Learn
- Getting Started in Global Health
Interested in global health, but not sure of how or where to begin? Start here. - Global Health Education for Medical Students and Residents
Discover ways to get involved learning about and serving in global health during medical school and residency. - Fellowships, Courses, and Electives in Global Health
Pursue additional training in global health through a variety of fellowship and learning programs.
Prepare
- Guiding Principles for Service Learning Programs
- Understand recommended, family medicine-oriented training and guidelines for global health service learning programs.
- Preparing for Global Health Work as a Family Physician
As a practicing physician, there are many things to consider as you prepare to serve in global health. We've prepared an overview for you.
Engage
- Volunteer Opportunities
Learn more about International Medical Corps and Heart to Heart International. - Domestic Opportunities in Global Health
You don't have to leave the U.S. to serve in global health. Find out how to get involved where you live. - Service Opportunities for Students and Residents
Browse the directory of organizations with international service opportunities for medical students and residents. - Global Health Organizations Founded/Operated by AAFP Members
Learn more about global health organizations founded and/or operated by AAFP members. - Polaris Programs in Global Health
Join one of WONCA's movements for new and future family physicians. - Student & Resident Leadership Opportunities
Family medicine residents and medical students can learn the skills now that they will need to be the future leaders of family medicine.
Resources
- Global Health Speakers' Bureau
Email us to connect with a global health expert in your area, who will speak with your group about various global health topics. - Global Health Resources
Review an array of print and online resources on global health issues and topics. - Scholarship and Funding
Review a list of global health scholarship opportunities and funding options to facilitate involvement in global health. - Residency Programs with International Rotations
Webinar Replay: Ethics in Global Health – Exploring Cases in Partnerships and Clinical Care
This is the first webinar in a series of Global Health Mentorship webinars jointly developed by AAFP CGHI and STFM GHEC (Global Health Educators Collaborative).
Watch this interactive discussion with family physician experts in global health ethics to learn how ethical principles can be used to guide activities and partnerships.
References
- Refugee Data Finder. UNHCR The UN Refugee Agency. Available at: https://www.unhcr.org/refugee-statistics/insights/explainers/100-million-forcibly-displaced.html. Accessed August 11, 2023.
- Refugees and Asylees in the United States. Migration Policy Institute. Available at: https://www.migrationpolicy.org/article/refugees-and-asylees-united-states. Accessed August 11, 2023.
- U.S. Immigrant Population and Share over Time, 1850-Present. Migration Policy Institute. Available at: https://www.migrationpolicy.org/programs/data-hub/us-immigration-trends#history. Accessed August 11, 2023