Since 2003, the Global Health Immersion Program (GHIP) is the UW's flagship global health program for preclinical medical students, and has been one of its kind in the country. It was created by medical students in collaboration with faculty and staff in response to requests to have a meaningful, field-based global health experience early in medical training. GHIP is an intensive, academically rigorous program for students who want to gain a first-hand understanding of the health challenges facing people in low- and middle-income countries. Participants in the program are matched to a host community in a resource-limited setting abroad, and spend 8 weeks working to identify, examine, and explore solutions to key health problems. Students then partner with local groups to develop and implement a small project aimed at improving health. Successful students earn 2 units of academic credit and fulfill the School of Medicine’s Independent Investigative Inquiry (III) requirement.

At the University of Washington, diversity is integral to excellence. We value and honor diverse experiences and perspectives, strive to create welcoming and respectful learning environments, and promote access, opportunity and justice for all.