Global Learning Opportunities

NHS participants work on system-strengthening projects with a global partner, with the project being determined by the global partner. NHS participants complete a full-time placement overseas (typically 6 months), or work virtually from home on a part-time basis, for a 6-month or 12-month period, or some kind of hybrid model of the two. NHS participants have travel and associated costs covered and receive a stipend payment which covers essential living expenses. The main example of this model is the multi-professional IGH Fellowship Programme. We currently have eight active partnerships offering this type of Fellowship opportunity.

NHS participants work with a global public health team, carrying out global health research determined by the global partner. NHS Participants work with a global public health team, carrying out public health research determined by the global partner. NHS participants complete a full-time placement overseas (typically 12 months) or may work virtually (part-time based at home for 12-months), or some kind of hybrid model of the two. NHS participants have travel and associated costs covered and receive a stipend payment which covers essential living expenses. The main example of this model is the pilot (due to start in 2022) with the Consortium of Thai Medical Schools, in Thailand.  This Fellowship programme is known as the Thailand Global Health Research Fellowship and is part of a broader partnership, which also includes early-career Doctors from Thailand coming to work and learn in the NHS for 3 years.

NHS participants work in patient-care focussed roles with an overseas partner, providing direct patient care as well as clinical education and capacity building. The clinical experience/expertise required for these roles is typically specified by the overseas partner and require NHS participants to register with the relevant professional/regulatory body in the partner country. These opportunities are typically full-time for 4-6 months. NHS participants will either receive a local salary paid by the in-country partner organisation, or alternatively, a stipend payment that covers essential living expenses. The main current example of this model is the Global Health Fellowships (GHF) scheme for doctors in training, sponsored by the Global Placements and Volunteering team at HEE, and managed by the HEE East of England Office.

NHS participants with a particular field of expertise provide planned and formal education (including clinical education), determined by the overseas partner. These are usually short visits (or provided virtually).  Expenses are covered, but no other payments are required, as the NHS participant continues to receive a salary payment by his/her employer. The main example of this model is the Diagnostic Imaging Project in the Gulu region of northern Uganda.

This is designed to help fellows to plan, identify and record learning of all kinds (personal and technical) and includes: preparation for the specific placement and type of fellowship e.g. learning about the country and overseas partner; safety and security; public health principles; introduction to quality improvement methods; introduction to research; tips for teaching and learning; project planning and evaluation; behavioural change; clinical skills; communication skills.

Fellows will receive support from a UK-based mentor (who provides support and challenge to the participant, using a coaching model), support with the formal project and/or research planning and evaluation reports. There is also support from a designated project/research supervisor from within the overseas partner team.

This will involve a written report from the fellow outlining the work completed, personal learning and how such learning will be implemented in the NHS on return. Fellows are also encouraged/supported to disseminate their work at appropriate conferences or publications, ideally in partnership with the overseas health team.