Feasibility of an undergraduate academic fellowship in global health system development

Abstract

Background: Despite increasing student interest in global health, undergraduate opportunities remain limited and often lack practical, multidisciplinary experiences. To address professional gaps for future healthcare professionals and global health workers, it is crucial to incorporate resource management, business practices, and leadership into undergraduate volunteer service-learning programs. Methods: Lay First Responders (LFR) International’s Fellowship Program in Emergency Medical Care and Innovation (ECMI) trains undergraduates to develop community-based emergency medical services in low- and middle-income countries, focusing on global capacity building, service leadership, and cultural competency. The year-long program guides fellows through a three-stage process of skill-development, design, and project implementation. The curriculum encompasses four main educational components: (1) professional development and networking, (2) global health education, (3) scientific research, and (4) internationally engaged collaboration. Program assessment was conducted through thematic analysis of open-ended survey responses from fellows at the beginning and end of their fellowship year. Results: Since 2019, 22 fellows have completed the program, acquiring skills in research, teaching, and writing publications and grants. Surveys of the 2022 and 2023 cohorts revealed that all nine participants accomplished their intended goals during the fellowship, with over half expressing a desire to continue working with LFR International. The program’s success is further evidenced by the fellows contributing to 17 academic outputs, securing $31,000 in funding, and their placement in advanced degree programs. Conclusions: The EMCI Fellowship has been well received and effective in addressing gaps in global health education. This model could be replicated by comparable global health non-governmental organizations to implement programs while immersing undergraduate students in hands-on international collaboration and operational management experiences. Future development should expand fellowship concentrations to additional global health fields and assess the long-term impacts of the program.