Tips for a Successful Global Health Sabbatical

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Global Health
• Faculty Development

Background:

• Medical students express strong interest in global health experiences.
• Faculty face challenges in developing and implementing effective global health programs due to knowledge gaps and limited engagement.
• Existing global health initiatives may be hindered by a lack of faculty expertise and firsthand experience.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the potential of faculty sabbaticals as a strategy for enhancing global health education.
• To provide practical recommendations for faculty undertaking global health sabbaticals.
• To address the need for improved global health knowledge and experiences among medical educators.

Main Methods:

• This viewpoint is based on the author's personal sabbatical experiences in South Africa and Botswana during the 2016-17 academic year.
• The content synthesizes practical insights and lessons learned from firsthand global health engagement.
• The abstract outlines key considerations for planning and executing a successful global health sabbatical.

Main Results:

• Sabbaticals provide invaluable opportunities for faculty to gain essential global health knowledge and practical experience.
• These extended periods abroad can lead to significant personal and professional development for faculty involved in global health.
• The experience fosters the creation of new global health curricula and research endeavors.

Conclusions:

• Faculty sabbaticals are a crucial, yet underutilized, resource for strengthening global health programs in medical institutions.
• Strategic planning and engagement during sabbaticals can maximize benefits for faculty, students, and global health initiatives.
• Investing in faculty global health sabbaticals is essential for building sustainable and impactful global health education.