EqualHealth

EqualHealth strives to provide high-quality, accessible and relevant information to Haitian providers. Our interactive, computer-based modules teach best-possible practices for a range of common conditions suggested by our Haitian partners, relevant in both inpatient and outpatient settings. These modules are supplemented by biweekly online case discussions hosted by the Global Health Delivery Project (GHD), which allow our Haitian partners from across the country to participate in thoughtful discussion and collaboration. The modules and case discussions are distinctive from other online CME materials on the market in that they are interactive and partner-driven, creating a more compelling resource for our partners. These materials are developed by a team of volunteer physicians, allowing us to provide these resources free of charge.

No matter the setting, an understanding of the social determinants of health is vital to effective care delivery. This is all the more true for the future health professionals from both high and low resource countries who plan to work with the underserved. In July 2013, EqualHealth launched its first annual Social Medicine Course, bringing together Haitian and international medical students for a three-week immersion course. Incorporating clinical teaching, student presentations, field visits, and patient interviews, the inaugural course was described as ""a simply unforgettable, wonderful experience which encourages reflection and growth."" In 2014, we expanded the course to include nursing and other allied health profession students, fostering a more diverse set of perspectives in the classroom and furthering out core value of interdisciplinary collaboration.

EqualHealth strives to provide Haitian medical professionals with the same resources and tools available to providers in resource-rich countries. As such, we work to facilitate the travel of Haitian physicians to international Continuing Medical Education conferences, and to host conferences that are geographically and financially accessible to our Haitian partners. In 2014, we sponsored seven Haitian physicians who came to the US to attend medical conferences. All of these physicians have agreed to teach what they have learned to their colleagues upon their return, dispersing the knowledge and skills gained. Additionally, EqualHealth hosted its fourth annual CME conference in Haiti in November 2014, reaching over 200 participants from across Haiti. This conference is the largest and longest-running medical education and leadership conference in Haiti.

Inadequate numbers of health personnel and a lack of training opportunities contribute to poor health outcomes throughout the developing world. In recent years, many developing countries, including Haiti, have begun to prioritize the training of the healthcare workforce. However, these countries often also face a shortage of experienced medical educators and faculty, making it difficult to train the next generation effectively. Responding to requests from our Haitian colleagues, we introduced our Teach the Teacher program in 2013 at the University Hospital of Mirebalais. Designed to provide medical and nursing educators with the skills they need to become the best teachers they can be, Teach the Teacher gives participants a foundation in educational best practices and provides them with ongoing feedback and support as they incorporate these practices into their teaching.