Because the health of patients within U.S. borders is affected by the health of populations worldwide, and health outcomes in other countries can be affected by developments in the U.S., you have a significant stake in global health issues.

30,000: Average number of refugee arrivals in the U.S. in 2019²
272 million: Number of international migrants worldwide in 2019³
44.4 million: Approximate number of foreign-born people currently living in the U.S.⁴

Get Involved

Global health involvement allows you to:

focus on vulnerable populations worldwide;
use the resources, knowledge, and experience of diverse societies to address health challenges; and
combine population-based health promotion and disease prevention with individual-level care.

CGHI Participation Opportunities

The AAFP offers you a wide variety of information, tools, and resources on global health.

Learn

Getting Started in Global Health
Interested in global health, but not sure of how or where to begin? Start here.
Global Health Education for Medical Students and Residents
Discover ways to get involved learning about and serving in global health during medical school and residency.
Fellowships, Courses, and Electives in Global Health
Pursue additional training in global health through a variety of fellowship and learning programs.

Prepare

Guiding Principles for Service Learning Programs
Understand recommended, family medicine-oriented training and guidelines for global health service learning programs.
Preparing for Global Health Work as a Family Physician
As a practicing physician, there are many things to consider as you prepare to serve in global health. We've prepared an overview for you.

Engage

Domestic Opportunities in Global Health
You don't have to leave the U.S. to serve in global health. Find out how to get involved where you live.
Service Opportunities for Students and Residents
Browse the directory of organizations with international service opportunities for medical students and residents.
Global Health Organizations Founded/Operated by AAFP Members
Learn more about global health organizations founded and/or operated by AAFP members.
Polaris Programs in Global Health
Join one of WONCA's movements for new and future family physicians.
Student & Resident Leadership Opportunities
Family medicine residents and medical students can learn the skills now that they will need to be the future leaders of family medicine.

Resources

Global Health Speakers' Bureau
Email us to connect with a global health expert in your area, who will speak with your group about various global health topics.
Global Health Resources
Review an array of print and online resources on global health issues and topics.
Scholarship and Funding
Review a list of global health scholarship opportunities and funding options to facilitate involvement in global health.
Residency Programs with International Rotations

The AAFP Center for Global Health Initiatives (CGHI)

Learn about the AAFP's ongoing commitment to global health and those who are leading this effort.

References

1. Koplan JP, Bond TC, Merson MH, et al. Towards a common definition of global health. Lancet. 2009;373(9679):1993-1995.

2. Population Facts No. 2013/2. Department of Economic and Social Affairs. Available at: http://esa.un.org/unmigration/documents/The_number_of_international_migrants.pdf. Published September, 2013. Accessed October 20, 2014.

3. Frequently Requested Statistics on Immigrants and Immigration in the United States. Migration Policy Institute. Available at: http://www.migrationpolicy.org/article/frequently-requested-statistics-immigrants-and-immigration-united-states-0. Published March 21, 2012. Accessed October 20, 2014.

4. Proposed Refugee Admissions for Fiscal Year 2014 Report to the Congress. United States Department of State, United States Department of Homeland Security. United States Department of Health and Human Services. Available at: http://www.state.gov/documents/organization/219137.pdf. Accessed October 20, 2014.