Global Medical Training

October 26, 2017

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

What initially inspired you to establish GMT in UC Berkeley?

The initial inspiration for me to really dive into the field of global health came amidst the West African Ebola virus epidemic back in the Fall of 2014. I distinctly remember a panel of doctors urging students to educate themselves about the state of health across the world and to embrace health as a human right. That semester, we started GMT with a vision of creating a program where we could engage students with global health issues while giving them the opportunity to gain direct clinical experience abroad at the same time. Since then, its been incredible to see GMT continue to put on events to educate the university as a whole about the importance issues in global health as well as striving to create a more sustainable medical service to our patients by embracing a public health oriented approach.

​

Please share your volunteering experiences with GMT.

I’ve had the incredible opportunity to participate in two trips to the Dominican Republic. On our very first trip, we had five UC Berkeley students join the UCLA and UC Irvine chapter in the Dominican Republic. What made it so special for me the second time around was not only the trip itself but all the work that went into preparing for it. After years of building the Berkeley GMT chapter, being able to return with our own GMT chapter was a very special moment. Each trip opens your eyes to new truths and teaches you profound lessons about what it means to not only be healthcare providers, but to be empathetic human beings.

​

In your opinion, what is the role of public health in ensuring a healthy community?

Tackling the challenge of medical service trips and the sustainability of its impact, GMT was really my first introduction to the field of public health. I now see that to enhance and maintain a healthy community, smart, educated preventative programs and initiatives are absolutely essential.  In a society where a large emphasis is placed primarily on curative services such as treating illnesses and injuries, I believe that public health needs to be brought to the forefront to ensure a healthy community going forward.