Overview of the Global Health PRN

Established in 2015, the Global Health Practice and Research Network (PRN) was created out of a need to provide clinical pharmacists, trainees, and researchers with a single network to address global health concerns. Our goal is to make sure every pharmacist and student pharmacist feels they can make a difference for all from wherever they are in the world – at an international or local level! We envision a health care landscape in which thoughtful, context-inclusive, culturally competent, and resource-efficient care for transnational health issues is provided through interprofessional and interinstitutional partnerships across borders.

The Global Health PRN consists of over 100 pharmacists and trainees (students, residents, and fellows) from diverse clinical backgrounds with a shared mission to promote the role of clinical pharmacy in global health through developing programs that enhance the knowledge and skills of members; fostering collaborative connections; advancing global health training opportunities; and sharing best practices for education, pharmacy practice, research, and ethical engagement.

All students, residents, and fellows are encouraged to follow the PRN on social media on X (formerly Twitter) @ACCPGlobal and further connect on ACCP Communities after joining.

PRN Leadership

• Veena Venugopalan, Pharm.D., BCIDP: Chair
• Martha Ndung’u, Pharm.D.: Chair-Elect
• Kathy E. Monangai, Pharm.D.: Secretary-Treasurer
• Lauren Jonkman, Pharm.D., BCACP: Immediate-Past Chair
• Jo E. Rodgers, Pharm.D., FCCP, BCCP: Board Liaison

Opportunities and Resources for Resident and Fellow PRN Members

• Check out our Directory of Global Health Opportunities for Post-Graduate Training. This directory is updated annually by the Global Health PRN and includes PGY1 residencies, PGY2 residencies, and fellowship programs offering global health opportunities.
• Check out our Global Health Resource Directory made up of PRN members who have identified themselves as willing and open to speaking with trainees who are interested in, considering, or deciding to pursue a career in or related to global health.
• Join a PRN committee: Our committees welcome residents and fellows and include Member Engagement (with a focus on trainees), Nominations, Programming, and Scholarship.
• Learn about Global Health issues through our educational events and newsletter.
• Network with and learn from other PRN members around the world with interest and experience in global health through our networking events.
• Become a newsletter contributor or social media liaison to raise awareness about current issues in global health pharmacy and member news.

JACCP Global Health PRN Opinion Paper Summary: The Five Pillars of Global Health Engagement and Pharmacists’ Role in the Facilitation and Promotion of Global Health¹

The Global Health PRN strives to encourage the improvement of health worldwide, both internationally and locally. Our goal is to make sure all pharmacists feel they can make a difference wherever they are. Here are five pillars that we stand by and hope might resonate with others:

Sustainability is defined as “the capacity to uphold a program and its advantages over an extended period.” In the realm of global health, sustainability predominantly pertains to the continuation of initiatives and projects aimed at enhancing health outcomes in resource-limited settings. When a global health endeavor lacks ongoing support from local partners, these principles can easily be compromised. The encompassing principles of beneficence and justice necessitate that low- and middle-income country (LMIC) partners receive benefits commensurate with the burden of hosting partners from high-income countries (HICs). Pharmacists are integral to ensuring sustainability plans are put in place early and assessed consistently.

Shared leadership entails a fundamental respect for individuals. Partners from LMICs should have autonomy in decision-making and leadership because they are the most knowledgeable about their own communities and cultures. Embracing shared leadership between HIC and LMIC partners not only enhances cultural appropriateness but also fosters equitable collaboration, particularly when financial resources are predominantly controlled by the HIC. This approach helps mitigate risks to beneficence and justice. Furthermore, shared leadership empowers LMIC hosts to express concerns about issues such as feeling overwhelmed, encountering inadequate or unsuitable services, or facing duplicative projects. Pharmacists should be encouraged to be part of the leadership team to advocate for and uplift the voices of their LMIC partners.

A mutually beneficial partnership incorporates the three ethical principles of respect for persons, beneficence, and justice. Fostering collaborations that are fulfilling for all involved parties helps prevent the perpetuation of colonialist dynamics marked by power imbalances. Ensuring transparency is crucial in the development of such partnerships. In addition, it is essential to consider the costs and benefits for partners from LMICs to uphold the mutually beneficial nature of the collaboration. Taking a comprehensive, culturally sensitive approach to programs and involving professionals from various fields such as anthropology, public health, business, and law can further enhance mutual benefit and strengthen the partnership.

Local needs-based care emphasizes respect for individuals and beneficence. It is imperative that partners from LMICs take the lead in identifying their own priorities rather than having HIC partners dictate their needs. When health care providers and the community in LMICs express their care requirements, contributions from HIC partners are more likely to align with these needs. This approach directly benefits LMIC partners and enhances the prospects of project success. Ultimately, successful and sustainable projects create opportunities for teaching and scholarly engagement for all participants.

Host-driven experiential and didactic education involves respect for individuals and beneficence. Failing to adopt an educational approach that is host-focused and culturally sensitive may result in a disconnect between the training needs of LMICs and the training provided by HIC partners. In addition, some training initiatives have been criticized for being narrow, donor-driven, short-term, knowledge-based, and limited to classroom settings, leading to high overhead costs.

Reference

1. Crowe SJ, Karwa R, Schellhase EM, et al. American College of Clinical Pharmacy Global Health Practice and Research Network’s opinion paper: Pillars for global health engagement and key engagement strategies for pharmacists. J Am Coll Clin Pharm 2020;3:1097-112.