Global Health Opportunities

At the Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, we are committed to preparing future physicians to meet the challenges of an increasingly interconnected world. Through immersive electives, research opportunities, and community partnerships, our students expand their understanding of health beyond local borders-developing the skills and perspectives needed to deliver compassionate, equitable care in diverse settings. From summer research experiences to clinical electives, our global health initiatives invite students to think critically about healthcare systems, equity, and innovation-while actively contributing to improved health outcomes for communities worldwide.

Research

The research arm of the Center for Global Health (CGH) supports our mission by cultivating impactful educational partnerships worldwide. Beyond advancing scientific knowledge, our research activities foster training in public health and healthcare delivery.

Research Projects 

Students are matched to individual projects based on site needs and faculty availability, ensuring that their work is both meaningful and sustainable. This flexible model allows student contributions to align with local priorities while advancing the broader mission of global health research and education. Through these research experiences, students can:

  1. Contribute to peer-reviewed publications and conferences.
  2. Collaborate with international and institutional partners.
  3. Develop skills in study design, ethics, and data analysis.
  4. Gain hands-on experience in global health, public health, and health equity research.

For additional information on research activities, please contact the Center for Global Health (CGH) Team at global@northwell.edu.

4th Year Electives

The Zucker School of Medicine offers fourth-year medical students the opportunity to participate in immersive clinical electives at a range of international partner sites. These experiences allow students to gain first-hand exposure to diverse health systems, develop clinical and cultural competencies, and engage in meaningful cross­ cultural exchange.

Please note that students may incur additional travel costs for some electives. For additional information on global health electives, please contact the Center for Global Health (CGH) Team at  global@northwell.edu.

Flagship Core Site

Georgetown, Guyana - Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC)

Guyana is our most popular elective site and serves as the flagship core site for the Center for Global Health. With over 15 active service lines, Guyana provides a robust experience for students to expand their clinical skills and global health perspective.

  1. Application Timeline: At least 3 months' notice is required to coordinate paperwork and logistics.
  2. Rotation Details: Typically 4 weeks; students may travel individually or in pairs.
  3. Coordination: Once dates and specialties are proposed to the CGH Team, availability is confirmed through our In-Country Director.

Support provided:

  1. Predeparture Paperwork via REDCap
  2. Global Rescue Travel & Evacuation Insurance
  3. Comprehensive Guyana Orientation
  4. Free Northwell Housing
  5. Potential JetBlue Flight Vouchers (subject to availability!)
  6. Transportation to/from the Airport and Hospital
  7. Communication through CGH WhatsApp Groups

Other Sites

Quito, Ecuador - Universidad San Francisco de Quito (USFQ)

Ecuador is another core site within the Center for Global Health, where students can immerse themselves in diverse clinical and public health settings while deepening their understanding of healthcare delivery.

  1. Application Timeline: At least 3 months' notice is required to coordinate paperwork and logistics.
  2. Rotation Requirements: Fluency in Spanish (assessed by In-Country Coordinators).
  3. Rotation Details: Typically 4 weeks.
  4. Coordination: Once dates and specialties are proposed to the CGH Team, availability is confirmed through our In-Country Coordinators.

Support provided:

  1. Predeparture Paperwork via REDCap
  2. Global Rescue Travel & Evacuation Insurance
  3. Logistics: Students are responsible for travel, housing, and transportation arrangements/costs. However, please note that USFQ does assist with placement in host families.

 

Nuvance Health Partner Sites

In 2025, Nuvance Health joined Northwell Health, creating a unified partnership. Through this collaboration, the Northwell and Nuvance Centers for Global Health work to expand elective offerings at the following sites:

  1. Yerevan, Armenia - Armenian Medical Institute
  2. Gaborone, Botswana - University of Botswana
  3. Maharashtra, India - Datta Meghe Institute of Medical Sciences
  4. Nakhon Si Thammarat, Thailand - Walailak University Medical Center
  5. Kampala, Uganda - Makerere University College of Health Sciences
  6. Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam - Cho Ray Hospital
  7. Harare, Zimbabwe - University of Zimbabwe College of Health Sciences
  8. Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic - Universidad lberoamericana
  9. Albay, Philippines - Bicol University and the Floating Clinic

See the overview and participant guides for further information on these experiences.

Application Timeline

The general deadline is August 1st. Updates will be posted once the application reopens for the next cycle. Students apply through the Nuvance Global Health Program, followed by a brief interview with the Nuvance team to align goals and interests.

 

Rotation Blocks (General, subject to change):

  1. Block 1: Jan 5 - Feb 13
  2. Block 2: Feb 16 - Mar 27
  3. Block 3: Mar 30 - May 8
  4. Block 4: May 11 - Jun 19
  5. Block 5: Jun 22 - Jul 31
  6. Block 6: Aug 3 - Sep 11
  7. Block 7: Sep 14 - Oct 23
  8. Block 8: Oct 26 - Dec 4

Rotation Details: Typically 6 weeks.

Support provided:

  1. Global Rescue Travel & Evacuation Insurance
  2. Logistics: The program coordinates with students for all logistics, including flights, housing, and transportation (subject to availability!).

Residency

As a Northwell Health resident, you can engage in global health through a variety of pathways-ranging from clinical electives and research opportunities to leading site visits and advancing project initiatives in collaboration with our service line leaders. These opportunities not only broaden clinical expertise but also empower residents to contribute meaningfully to health equity and capacity building worldwide.