PDF reflects print Master of Science in Global Medicine
The Master of Science in Global Medicine is offered by the Departments of Preventive Medicine and Educational Affairs of the Keck School of Medicine. The program aims to train medical, dental and pharmacy students; current physicians and allied health professionals; and those planning to pursue degrees in the allied health professions to analyze and address critical issues in global medicine. The M.S. in Global Medicine provides a solid foundation in basic science while also exposing students to a broad scope of pertinent issues in global medicine. Physicians and current medical students may use previous equivalent course work for 8 units of credit toward GM 503L Core Principles Systems I and GM 504L Core Principles Systems II course requirements.
The program responds to the Institute of Medicine's recommendation that health professional training include course work resulting in literacy in global medicine. The M.S. in Global Medicine provides the knowledge and training necessary to address current and future global medical challenges. In addition to gaining the strong medical science foundation needed for critical analysis of the global burden of disease, courses examining methods used to create programming, solutions and innovative responses to global health challenges furnish students of the program with problem-solving skills and analytical frameworks, which will aid them in future career paths.
Upon completion of the M.S. in Global Medicine, students will be equipped to serve as leaders in various domains within the allied health field, including, but not limited to, medicine, pharmacy, dentistry and nursing. In addition, graduates will be prepared to collaborate and/or seek employment with a variety of international aid, nonprofit, and global health organizations, such as the United Nations, International Red Cross, United Nations Joint Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS), United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), World Health Organization (WHO), World Bank and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Admission
Applicants for admission to the M.S. in Global Medicine must have a bachelor's degree or its equivalent from an accredited institution and have earned a grade point average of 3.0 (A = 4.0) in undergraduate work. Prerequisite undergraduate course work must include one year of general biology, one year of general chemistry, one year of organic chemistry and one semester of calculus.All applicants are required to have taken either the Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) General Test or the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT). A minimum score of 1000 on the GRE or 28 on the MCAT is required. Students must also supply three letters of recommendation from an evaluator qualified to evaluate the applicant's potential for graduate work.
Applicants must supply a completed application for graduate studies, including transcripts from all institutions previously attended, standardized test scores and three letters of recommendation. Applications are only considered for enrollment beginning in the fall semester. For further information contact: Dr. Elahe Nezami, USC Institute for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Research, 3375 S. Hoover St., Suite E 210, Los Angeles, CA 90089-7798, (213) 821-1600, (213) 821-1733 FAX.
Advisement
Students are required to meet with the academic advisor of the program each semester prior to registration.Satisfactory Academic Progress
A graduate GPA of at least 3.0 is required at all times. Any student whose graduate GPA falls below 3.0 will be placed on academic probation. Students on academic probation who do not raise their GPA to 3.0 after two semesters of written notification of academic probation will be academically disqualified. A minimum of 32 units of graduate level course work is required for graduation.Degree Requirements
| Core Courses (20 units) | Units | |
|---|---|---|
| GM 500 | Basic Concepts in Global Health | 4 |
| GM 501 | Critical Issues in Global Health | 4 |
| GM 502 | Global Epidemiology of Diseases and Risk Factors | 4 |
| GM 503L | Core Principles System I | 4 |
| GM 504L | Core Principles System II | 4 |
| Elective Courses (at least 12 units) | Units | |
|---|---|---|
| GM 510 | Global Health Modules, Malaria | 2 |
| GM 511 | Global Health Modules, Tuberculosis | 2 |
| GM 512 | Global Health Modules, Maternal and Child Health I | 2 |
| GM 513 | Global Health Modules, Maternal and Child Health II | 2 |
| GM 514 | Global Health Modules, Tropical Diseases | 2 |
| GM 515 | Global Health Modules, HIV/AIDS | 2 |
Courses of Instruction
GLOBAL MEDICINE (GM)
The terms indicated are expected but are not guaranteed. For the courses offered during any given term, consult the Schedule of Classes.
GM 500 Basic Concepts in Global Health (4, Fa) Exploration of global health issues facing resource-poor societies; emphasizes contributing factors including behavioral and physiological bases, economic, social, and political context.
GM 501 Critical Issues in Global Health (4, FaSp) Evaluation of government and nongovernment organizations' new global health responses, and critical issues affecting global health including: environment, workforce conditions, obesity, nutrition, drugs, poverty. Prerequisite: GM 500.
GM 502 Global Epidemiology of Diseases and Risk Factors (4, Sp) Survey of major populations' crises and risk factors accounting for global health challenges. Evaluation of case studies of global health interventions and effective methodologies. Prerequisite: GM 500.
GM 503L Core Principles System I (4, Fa) Introduction to basic medical concepts and biological system functions; examination of core principles of science and medical treatment.
GM 504L Core Principles System II (4, Fa) Continuation of concepts from GM 503L. Basic medical concepts and biological system functions; examination of core principles of science and medical treatment. Prerequisite: GM 503L.
GM 510 Global Health Modules, Malaria (2, FaSp) Critical issues in international control and treatment of malaria. Exploration of biological and epidemiological fundamentals of human-parasite interaction, including dynamics of transmission among populations.
GM 511 Global Health Modules, Tuberculosis (2, FaSpSm) Exploration of biological and epidemiological fundamentals of tuberculosis including dynamics of transmission among populations. Overview of clinical manifestations, diagnosis, and treatment of infections.
GM 512 Global Health Modules, Maternal and Child Health I (2, FaSpSm) Biopsychosocial, cultural and economic aspects of women's health: pregnancy, childbirth, marriage. Examination of health promotion and policy efforts to improve women's health globally.
GM 513 Global Health Modules, Maternal and Child Health II (2, FaSpSm) Continuation of GM 512. In-depth examination of women's health issues; health promotion and policy efforts to improve women's health globally. Prerequisite: GM 512.
GM 514 Global Health Modules, Tropical Disease (2, FaSpSm) Examination of prevalent tropical diseases: epidemiology, clinical manifestations, treatment, impact on economies of tropical countries. Key issues related to these diseases; World Health Organization responses. Prerequisite: GM 500, GM 501, GM 502.
GM 515 Global Health Modules, HIV/AIDS (2, FaSpSm) HIV epidemiology, basic biology of transmission and pathophysiology, associated opportunistic infections, and challenges to providing care in the developing world, including government responses. Prerequisite: GM 500, GM 501, GM 502.
GM 599 Special Topics (2-4, max 8) Lecture and discussion focused on specific topics within global medicine. Course topic with vary from semester to semester.