The Global Surgery Advocacy and Policy Fellowship at Baylor College of Medicine is the first of its kind in the U.S. and is a collaborative effort between the Michael E. DeBakey Department of Surgery and Rice University’s Baker Institute for Public Policy. The fellowship is a collaborative effort that combines global surgery education resources from Baylor College of Medicine with the policy education resources at Rice University’s Baker Institute for Public Policy. The role supports fellows in gaining a deeper understanding of developing healthcare policies locally and globally and positions them to advocate for change.
Through the fellowship, trainees explore the field of policy, by identifying a focus area and delving into relevant legislation in Texas, the U.S. and in other countries around the world. Based on their findings, they develop recommendations and present a policy brief with the goal of improving access to care. They also develop global health diplomacy skills while engaging with governmental and non-governmental organizations. The fellow receives regular mentorship from both Baylor College of Medicine faculty as well as faculty and experts at the Baker Institute. By the end of the fellowship, the fellow presents and publishes a policy brief.
“This has been incredible as I feel I am learning a completely different language writing policy briefs,” said Katayoun Madani, Master of Science, M.D., the first fellow in this program. “Surgeons and physicians have a unique insight into what the system is lacking but to translate that into a language policy makers understand is a skillset we are never taught.” This fellowship bridges these gaps and helps the trainee learn how to communicate important issues to potentially shape law making, city planning and more.
We are currently recruiting for this position, if you are interested, please email globalsurgery@bcm.edu.
