Opening the Door to Global Health Talent
By Jonny Dorsey and Barbara Bush
Following their fellowships, one individual now works as PIH’s Africa procurement and logistics coordinator, while another oversees the construction and rehabilitation of health centers across the entire country in his new position within the Rwandan Ministry of Health.
Unfortunately, most of the young talent that seeks to work in this space is turned away. In fact, one of the fellows who worked on the Burera Hospital had difficulties getting a foot into the global health community, despite performing well in school, starting a FACE AIDS Chapter, and providing hospice care in his home community. When he applied for Global Health Corps, he was bartending in Washington, D.C. to make a living. During his fellowship, he was so effective that he was hired and promoted by his placement organization – yet our sector almost missed out on his commitment, and his talent.
Huge numbers of millennials want to serve in global health, and this desire is only growing. This year Global Health Corps received more than 2,000 applications for 70 positions. Many organizations, including two we work with closely, FACE AIDS and GlobeMed, are further strengthening this pool of equity-focused student-leaders through engagement on high school and college campuses.
