With the largest public academic health system in the country, UC makes an impact on the health of Californians and people across the nation and beyond through education and training of the health care workforce, patient care, clinical trials, medical research and work to reduce health disparities.
Lesser-known aspects of UC’s work in health are its initiatives and programs in global health that reach well beyond our borders. The UC Global Health Institute (UCGHI) is a significant driver of those systemwide efforts. For the past 13 years, the institute has been furthering global health research, education and collaboration to advance health in California and worldwide. UCGHI recently joined UCOP as an institute within the UC Health Division Office.
In addition to its transition to UCOP, UCGHI has announced new leadership, with Madhavi Dandu, M.D., M.P.H., becoming its new director. Dr. Dandu, a professor of medicine at UCSF and former director of the trailblazing Master of Science in Global Health degree at the UCSF Institute for Global Health Sciences (IGHS), will be leading UCGHI through a new era of global health challenges and opportunities centering on justice, equity, diversity and inclusion.
Director of the UC Global Health Institute Dr. Madhavi Dandu
When asked about her vision for UCGHI and what she wants to accomplish, Dr. Dandu shared, “With humility and recognition that I would first need to do the work of hearing from the community and our stakeholders, I would imagine moving with UCGHI into the next frontier in global health. This frontier is one in which we must do the incredibly hard work of unlearning, relearning and truly decolonizing. Building on the already amazing work of the institute, I hope to challenge us to take stock of the voices of those we have not always included before planning the next phases of the work of the Institute.” To learn more about Dr. Dandu’s inspirations, experiences and vision for UCGHI, read this interview.
About the UC Global Health Institute
UCGHI unites hundreds of faculty, researchers, staff and students on all UC campuses to advance global health education, research and partnerships. The institute supports efforts reaching students, faculty and staff across the UC system. Its initiatives include the Student Ambassador Program and internships; fellowships and training opportunities; centers in gender & health justice, planetary health, global health education and health workforce equity, the latter of which is led by the HEAL Initiative; campus events on global health issues; and a biennial UC Global Health Day conference which rotates across UC campuses.