Promoting Careers in Global Health

Promoting Careers in Global Health

One of the most important ways Accordia Global Health Foundation pursues its mission to overcome the burden of infectious disease in Africa is by nurturing a new generation of specialists to address existing and future global health challenges. Dr. Stephan Schrantz of the University of Chicago was selected in 2006 to participate in the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) International Exchange Fellowship. This program sends North American and European doctors to spend 6 months conducting research at the Infectious Diseases Institute (IDI) in Uganda, promoting the development of an international medical education.

During his tenure at IDI, Dr. Schrantz observed Ugandan approaches to clinical care while encountering the complexities and challenges associated with infectious diseases and HIV/AIDS in resource-limited settings. Dr. Schrantz spent most of his time making rounds and treating patients, which he found to be both challenging and rewarding. “The most difficult observations I made in the clinic,” said Dr. Schrantz, “were the tough decisions that doctors in Africa are forced to make everyday, due to the shortage of trained healthcare workers, and the continuing need to ration ARV’s (antiretroviral drugs).”

In addition to both inpatient and outpatient clinical work at IDI and Mulago Hospital, Dr. Schrantz attended three educational conferences per week, which consisted of research presentations, clinical cases and “switch meetings,” a session in which doctors discuss options for patients not responding to treatment.

During his stay in Kampala, Dr. Schrantz presented on the complications and management of Kaposi sarcoma and on his research project, Antiretroviral Treatment Cost Analysis. “We know that starting patients on ARV therapy before their CD4 count drops is better for the long term health of the patient,” Schrantz explained. “With this research, we hope to demonstrate that it is actually more cost effective, too.” Dr. Schrantz is very grateful for the assistance of IDI medical officers and trainers, who helped to collect data for this project.

Overall, Dr. Schrantz reflects on his experience as an eye-opening opportunity. He returned to the United States to complete his research project, and is now armed with an even stronger resolve to continue fighting the battle against HIV/AIDS. The hope and optimism he encountered while in Uganda from all those working to stop the spread of HIV/AIDS has had a lasting impact and will continue to shape his career in international medicine.

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