Areas of scholarly concentration (ASCs) are longitudinal, elective opportunities that allow medical students to join a thematic learning community that spans the curriculum. ASCs include asynchronous module content, experiential learning during the intersessions, and a capstone project. Students have the option to sign up for an ASC during the fall of their first year. 

The goal of the Global Health ASC is to engage and motivate our students to make a difference in the world, while also emphasizing responsible, ethical, and collaborative ways to engage with our global partners. 

Years 1-2

In years 1 and 2, we will focus on foundational competencies in global health and highlight some of the work ongoing in the field at UC Davis and in Sacramento.

Year 3

During year 3, we will explore clinical aspects related to global health with hands-on learning, simulations, and field trips.

Year 4

In year 4, students have the opportunity to participate in a global health rotation and complete a capstone project in collaboration with our global and/or local partners. 

Check out the UC Davis Global Affairs Travel and Security Resources using the link below. Global Affairs is committed to providing critical travel security resources and tips for UC Davis travelers—from pre-trip preparation and registration to real-time updates and responses—to mitigate the impact of unexpected weather, health, and security incidents.

Travel and Security Resources

Location: University of Kwazulu-Natal

Two rural sites (Emmaus is 3 hours from Durban, Mseleni is close to Moz border)

Experience

• Strong commitment from faculty in Durban with regular site visits

• Committed local faculty presence on the ground

• Many speak English but also local languages common

• Oversight from UCLA faculty remotely

• Patients with high prevalence of HIV

• Opportunities in ob/gyn, EM, surgery—encouraged to do QI work

• Work with students and residents from UKN

Logistics

Requires car rental to get to sites from DUR or JNB

• Housing: Arranged with assistance of local faculty
• Costs: $500 to host site + airfare/ground transport, lodging, food
• Timeframe: Year-round except March/April
• Duration: 4 weeks

Location: Sacred Valley

Sacred Valley communities in Peru.

• The organization is located in Ollantaytambo, Peru.

• This site is one hour from the UNESCO World Heritage Site Machu Picchu and is surrounded by the Andeans mountains.

• Communities in the area have retained much of their indigenous culture and language

Experience

• Students would have the chance to spend time in clinics serving the Sacred Valley communities in Peru while learning about indigenous health.
• Students would spend time every week shadowing and learning in the local clinics and have dedicated time to learn about the local communities, culture and work of the NGO Sacred Valley Health which provides health education and training through local community health workers in the region.
• The details of the rotation (i.e. Types of clinics, daily schedule) are currently being worked out but the experience can be tailored to fit specific students needs and preferences
• The Inca trail runs adjacent to the town so in your off time, you can enjoy hiking, trail running, mountain biking and many more activities.

Logistics

• Housing: Ollantaytambo is a beautiful town with a variety of food and accommodation options. Students can choose to stay in a homestay and immerse themselves in the culture or choose one of many hotels and hostels in the region

• Costs: TBD

• Timeframe: Year-round though fall and spring are preferred

• Duration: 2-4 weeks

Location: Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay Medical College, Rajkot

• Rajkot, India at the Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay Medical College

• Rajkot is located in the state of Gujarat, India

Experience

• Oversight by PDUMC-Rajkot Faculty +/- UCI/UCD faculty

• Combination of clinical experience as well as community medicine/public health training as well as dedicated ultrasound training

•  Opportunities to work for several days with local faculty across specialties depending on student’s interests (prior years have worked in Medicine/Pediatrics/Dermatology/Psychiatry/ENT/Ophtho/Gynecology/Plastic Surgery

Logistics

• Housing: Details for this year forthcoming, however in prior years students have stayed together at Season Hotel

• Costs: in past years, ~$3000 (includes airfare, lodging, food)

• Timeframe: Dec 12-14-Jan 4 (can extend if would like to travel afterwards)

Location: Friends of Sangat Bhawan, Kathmandu

• Kathmandu, Nepal

• Friends of Shanta Bhawan is a non-profit, non-governmental health care center in Northeastern Kathmandu

• Has a website! https://fsbnepal.org.np/wp/

Experience

• Primarily ambulatory setting that focuses on preventative services, Women’s Health, and Children’s health as well to surrounding communities

• Also focus on tuberculosis diagnosis and treatment

• Oversight by local faculty affiliated with the clinic

Logistics

• Housing: To be arranged with site

• Costs: estimated ~$2000-$3000

• Timeframe: Year round

The Nueva Lengua Spanish Immersion Program takes place over four weeks between June and July at the Nueva Lengua Spanish School in Colombia. Students undergo an initial language proficiency assessment by the school and are placed in an intensive Spanish language curriculum based on their level which takes place during each morning session. In the afternoon, students will participate in focused, medical Spanish coursework and cultural immersion activities. Applications open in the winter of the first year. Coursework can be used towards eventual certification in medical Spanish. Students are provided a $1500 stipend towards costs of the program.

Immersive Indigenous Health Elective: A Transformative 4-Week Experience in Peru’s Sacred Valley

Embark on a life-changing journey with Sacred Valley Health’s Indigenous Health Elective, designed exclusively for medical and health students eager to explore global health in a hands-on, community-focused setting. Running for 4 weeks from June to July this immersive four-week program combines rigorous health training with authentic cultural experiences in the heart of Peru’s Sacred Valley.

Program Overview

Experience the innovative Community Health Worker Program—a unique initiative that partners with remote Andean communities to train and employ local women, empowering them to improve healthcare access. You’ll learn practical, hands-on skills in improvised wilderness medicine, including basic emergency response, patient transport, fracture management, and bleeding control. Although the training is rich in experiential learning, please note that it does not result in official certification.

Cultural Immersion & Community Engagement

• Local Partnerships: Work alongside community health workers and local staff, engaging in activities that bridge traditional and modern healthcare practices.
• Cultural Exchange: Stay with a local family or opt for a hotel package while you explore ancient Incan streets, archaeological sites, and vibrant marketplaces in Ollantaytambo and Cusco.
• Hands-On Activities: Participate in community tours, health campaigns, and traditional activities such as herbal remedy workshops and seasonal tasks like harvesting or weaving.
• Field Experiences: Shadow local healthcare professionals in clinics, tour health facilities, and join health campaigns that directly benefit the high-Andes communities.

Included

Your program fee covers transportation from Cusco to all destinations, lodging for the entire stay, most meals (with different options available through homestay or hotel packages), pre-departure and 24/7 on-site support, as well as all scheduled educational and cultural activities. An optional add-on package is available for a guided excursion to Machu Picchu, including train and bus tickets, a tour guide, and entry fees.

This elective is more than an academic experience—it’s a journey of personal and professional growth. By integrating direct patient care observations with deep cultural immersion, you’ll gain invaluable insights into the challenges and rewards of community-centered healthcare. Moreover, your participation supports the education programs for community health workers and contributes to sustainable health improvements in underserved regions.

Secure your spot for a summer that promises to reshape your understanding of healthcare, culture, and the power of community partnerships. Registration details and payment information must be finalized in the Winter before the elective. Dates will be updated annually. 

Explore new perspectives, enhance your clinical skills, and make a lasting impact—join us in the Sacred Valley for an unforgettable experience!