McGill University and McGill University Health Centre have exceptionally strong research groups and centers working on TB, HIV, and neglected tropical diseases. These Centres have a very strong track record of advanced courses and workshops that are offered every year, in topics such as tuberculosis research methods, TB diagnostics, and tropical and parasitic diseases. Starting in July 2015, under the aegis of the McGill Global Health Programs, several short courses on infectious diseases were combined into a coherent, integrated “McGill Summer Institute in Infectious Diseases and Global Health.
From June 12th to 23rd, McGill was a hub of learning in the fight against infectious diseases as it hosted the 3rd installment of the Summer Institute. The short courses featured internationally known faculty and brought together approximately 400 participants from 53 countries.
Current and aspiring leaders in the fields of tuberculosis research, diagnostics, genomic epidemiology and – an addition this year – qualitative methods, from around the world had the opportunity to learn from expert course faculty, network, and exchange ideas on the best way to implement change in a “real world” setting.
Highlights included having TB survivors and patient advocates Deepti Chavan and Nandita Venkatesan participate and share their struggles with the healthcare system as patients. In addition, Member of the Canadian Parliament Brenda Shanahan, co-chair of the Global Health Caucus attended a social hosted by Results Canada and listened to policy ideas from those working in the field.
As attendees are now back home, we cannot wait to hear how all the knowledge gained will be applied.
To learn more about the Summer Institute in Infectious Diseases and Global Health, please click here. Registration for next year will open in November.
July 5, 2017