AAD Resident International Grant Global Health Elective, aka "The Best Month of My Life"

The speaker discusses their transformative experiences in global health as a resident and dermatopathology fellow at Stanford, particularly through the AAD Resident International Grant. They emphasize various ways to engage in global health, such as funded opportunities, virtual experiences, and local community service for underserved populations. The speaker highlights organizations that facilitate international outreach, including AMPATH, which partners with communities in Kenya, Nepal, and Mexico. They reflect on their residency experience in Nepal, noting the value of observational learning and how it broadened their understanding of different healthcare systems. The insights gained from their educational courses on global health and public health ethics are emphasized, as these lessons proved invaluable when they faced real-world challenges abroad. They also stress the importance of forming lasting relationships and cultural humility when practicing globally. Drawing from a case example to illustrate differences in medical practice, the speaker concludes that the grant significantly shaped their passion for global health and encourages others to explore similar opportunities early in their careers. The experience revealed the mutual benefits of bi-directional mentorship and reinforced the idea that global health experiences enhance one's medical practice back home.