Ben-Gurion University of the Negev Medical School for International Health

Ben-Gurion University of the Negev Medical School for International Health (MSIH) is a pioneering medical school established as a collaboration between Ben-Gurion University of the Negev (BGU) and Columbia University Medical Center. Located in Beersheba, Israel, MSIH is dedicated to improving global health by training a new generation of doctors to serve in communities desperately in need of professional medical care around the world. The school's unique curriculum integrates global health components throughout its four-year MD program, emphasizing diseases and medical conditions across the globe, with a particular focus on underserved populations.

History

MSIH was founded in the late 1990s as a joint initiative between BGU and Columbia University, recognizing the urgent need for physicians trained in international health. The school admitted its first class in 1998, aiming to address global health challenges by combining traditional medical education with a comprehensive understanding of health care systems worldwide.

Curriculum

The curriculum at MSIH is designed to prepare students for the complexities of health care in a global context. The first three years of the program are held in Beersheba, where students engage in a rigorous curriculum that covers basic medical sciences, clinical skills, and a unique global health curriculum. This includes courses on international health, tropical diseases, health care in resource-limited settings, and the social determinants of health. The fourth year consists of clinical rotations, including a two-month global health rotation in one of the school's partner sites in countries such as India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Peru, Ethiopia, and the United States.

Admissions

Admission to MSIH is competitive and seeks candidates with a strong academic background, demonstrated commitment to global health, and the adaptability to work in diverse cultural settings. Applicants are required to have a bachelor's degree and must meet pre-medical course requirements. The admissions process includes a review of academic records, Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) scores, letters of recommendation, and interviews.

Facilities

MSIH is housed within the Faculty of Health Sciences campus at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev. The campus offers state-of-the-art facilities, including modern classrooms, simulation labs, and research laboratories. Students also have access to Soroka University Medical Center, one of Israel's leading hospitals, for clinical training and research opportunities.

Global Health Integration

A cornerstone of the MSIH experience is the integration of global health throughout the curriculum. Students participate in global health electives, workshops, and field experiences that expose them to a wide range of health issues and systems. This hands-on experience is critical for understanding the challenges and opportunities in international health care delivery.

Alumni

Graduates of MSIH are equipped with the knowledge and skills to work in diverse health care settings around the world. Alumni have gone on to pursue careers in clinical practice, public health, health policy, and academia, among others. Many serve in underserved areas, contributing to the improvement of health outcomes in communities across the globe.

Conclusion

The Ben-Gurion University of the Negev Medical School for International Health stands as a beacon of innovation in medical education. By focusing on global health, MSIH prepares its students to become leaders in the field, capable of addressing some of the most pressing health challenges of our time. Through its unique curriculum, dedicated faculty, and commitment to global health, MSIH continues to make a significant impact on the world stage.