University of Michigan Minority Health and Health Disparities International Research Training Program

ABSTRACT The University of Michigan Minority Health and Health Disparities Research Training (MHRT) Program has offered opportunities for training in global health research over the last 30 years to 532 students. The majority of these students have transitioned into careers in research or practice in the biomedical, behavioral, clinical or social science fields. The University of Michigan (U-M) wishes to continue this highly effective program that has successfully engaged students in research on global health problems internationally and in the United States. Trainee research experiences occur within the framework of ongoing research partnerships of U-M faculty members in four geographic regions: Latin America (Chile, Nicaragua); Africa (Kenya); Asia (India, Nepal, Thailand and Indonesia); and the Pacific (Fiji). These projects provide a broad range of training opportunities focused on promoting public health. Ten students will be offered training each year (up to 2 undergraduate Juniors/Seniors; 8 Post Baccalaureate, Graduate or Predoctoral). The training program comprises: 1) pre-departure preparation including asynchronous virtual resources, synchronous virtual meetings and a 2-day on-site orientation; 2) extended close mentoring in the U.S. and at international sites; 3) research involving cleaning, analysis, and interpretation of data, and presentation of the research project in oral and written form; 4) closely-supervised international training for 10-12 weeks; and 5) post-trip follow-up including career guidance; facilitation of further research placements; mentoring related to honors theses and doctoral dissertations; and assistance in preparing presentations and peer review manuscripts for publication. The University of Michigan School of Public Health is committed to the continued success of this program by providing staff time, facilities, travel health and safety and research resources to faculty, staff and trainees of this program. Due to this support, our program has established a sustainable model that is set up for continued success.