Message from the Program Directors
Hello future pediatricians and global health advocates!
We’re thrilled to introduce you to the Dr. Kelly DeScioli Global Child Health Pediatrics Residency Program at Baylor College of Medicine. This unique four-year program offers you the chance to spend one year at one of our Texas Children’s Global Health Network sites in Uganda, Malawi, Eswatini, Botswana, or Colombia, or with our partner programs in Peru or Guatemala.
During your global health year, you'll work alongside local partners and clinicians to provide essential care for children and families, gaining clinical experience in many areas including acute care, newborn care, HIV, malnutrition, malaria, tuberculosis, and more in both outpatient and inpatient settings. This invaluable experience will help you understand the challenges of healthcare in resource-limited settings and appreciate the local cultural, historical, and socioeconomic factors impacting patient care. You’ll also learn to strengthen capacity and address power imbalances in global health partnerships. In addition to the standard three-year pediatric residency curriculum, you’ll have opportunities to engage in research, advocacy, and initiatives to improve access to care both locally and globally.
In today’s interconnected world, having a global perspective is essential for pediatricians to address and reduce health inequities. Our graduates are well-equipped to make meaningful impact to address health inequities both locally and globally. Over 60% of our graduates pursue pediatric subspecialty fellowship training, with others entering primary care or working with prestigious organizations like Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).
The Dr. Kelly DeScioli Global Child Health Pediatrics Residency Program will prepare you for a career dedicated to pediatric care and advocacy for children worldwide. Here, you will meet incredible people from all over the globe and build a supportive community of like-minded peers throughout your residency in Houston. We look forward to welcoming you to our program.
Warm regards,
Heather A. Haq, M.D., MHS
Stephanie A. Marton, M.D., MPH
Dr. Kelly DeScioli Global Child Health Pediatrics Residency Program
Baylor College of Medicine
Message from the Global Health Chief Resident
Welcome to the Dr. Kelly DeScioli Global Child Health Pediatrics Residency Program at Baylor College of Medicine!
I am thrilled to introduce you to our one-of-a kind program—the only residency in the nation that offers a yearlong international training experience in pediatric global health! Whether you're a seasoned global health advocate or just beginning to explore this rewarding field, our program provides an unparalleled opportunity to learn how to deliver care in a range of settings. Through the Texas Children’s Global Health Network, our residents immerse themselves in sites such as Malawi, Uganda, Botswana, and Colombia. Here, they tackle a range of challenging conditions such as malaria, oncologic pathologies, malnutrition, HIV, and tuberculosis in a variety of settings including inpatient wards, outpatient HIV clinics, newborn units, and emergency department settings. But beyond treating these diseases, they gain invaluable insights into the complexities of healthcare delivery, all while building lasting relationships with the communities they serve. Graduates of our program leave with a rich perspective and skill set that have empowered them to make significant impacts at organizations like Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
One of my favorite aspects of the program is that the global exposure extends far beyond our international sites! Houston’s vibrant and diverse population allows us to cultivate a global perspective within a local context. Here, we develop essential skills in effective communication, advocacy, and cultural competency, connecting with patients from various backgrounds. Additionally, our quarterly journal clubs and academic sessions offer residents the chance to learn from renowned faculty and discuss the latest topics in global health. I am so grateful that our system attracts so many passionate individuals dedicated to global health and advocacy. It gives us the unique opportunity to engage directly with them and benefit from their mentorship!
On a personal note, being part of this program has been profoundly rewarding. I have found a close-knit family in my fellow residents, who share a passion for global health. This camaraderie, within the largest pediatric residency program, has been so special to me. I’m excited to see how our community continues to grow and welcome you to our program!
Neha Dhawan, M.D., M.P.H.
Global Health Chief Resident 2024-2025
