Ohio University’s annual International Education Week tasks individuals or teams of undergraduate and graduate students to submit health solution plans in hopes of seeing the plan put into action.
If you had the opportunity to implement your own solution to a global health issue, would you?
OU’s first Global Health Case Competition aims to give students a chance to do just that.
During Ohio University’s annual International Education Week (Nov. 15 to 20), individuals or teams of undergraduate and graduate students will submit solution plans in hopes of winning a trip to the country the health issue is located, and seeing the plan put into action.
Dr. Deborah Meyer, visiting assistant professor of global health and a member of the committee that will host the competition, said all transportation, meals, housing and implementation costs will be covered.
Not only is this opportunity available for medical and health science students, it is also available and encouraged to students of other disciplines, Meyer said.
“Business, engineering, education, community development, environmental studies, anthropology,” Meyer said. “I can’t think of a single major that might not offer an important perspective.
“Because health depends on multiple factors. We believe that no one discipline can solve complex health problems and the case competition exposes students to the necessity of cooperation among multiple specialists and the community.”
For Kazi Priyanka Silmi, a first year Masters of Public Health student and participant, this competition not only calls for cooperation among different disciplines, it is also a chance to work with students from different countries to work together and build off of differing perspectives.
“I am in a team with two other graduate students and an undergraduate student.” Silmi said. “We are from four different countries representing four different departments and three different colleges. I am very excited about working in such a diverse team.”
The kickoff event will be held on Friday, Oct. 3 from noon through 1:30 in Grover Center W123. This is a time for individual students to find teammates for the competition if they choose to do so. It will also provide information to students who are interested in getting involved.
Oct. 20 is the deadline to apply as an individual, and Oct. 27 to apply as a team. Case details, rules, and guidelines will be available to participating students on Oct. 31. Students will submit their case solutions on Nov. 13, and Case Competition Day will be held on Nov. 20. The winning team will travel to implement their solution in July of 2015.
“I think everyone who wishes to make a positive social impact on a global scale should consider this competition.” Silmi said. “The field of global health has been known for its innovation most often. Ideas outside the box result in the most unique solutions.”
@AmySchmitt_
as040313@ohio.edu
