At WMed, global engagement is an essential pillar of our mission to advance health equity, foster innovation, and educate the next generation of healthcare professionals. Rooted in our values of collaboration, integrity, and excellence, WMed’s global engagement strategy seeks to create opportunities for students, faculty, and researchers to engage with international medical education and healthcare systems. By integrating a global perspective into our curriculum and fostering international partnerships, we prepare our learners to navigate the complexities of healthcare in a diverse and interconnected world.
What is Global Engagement?
Global engagement in medical education—also referred to as the internationalization of a medical school—encompasses a broad range of initiatives aimed at expanding medical knowledge, cultural competency, and collaborative learning beyond national borders. Internationalization in medical education fosters academic and professional exchange, enriching both our students and faculty by providing immersive learning experiences that prepare them for the interconnected world of healthcare. Through strategic partnerships with medical institutions worldwide, we create opportunities for research collaboration, curriculum development, and cultural exchange that enhance the global competencies of our learners and faculty
Global Education and Global Health Programming
A key component of our global engagement is global medical education, which provides students and faculty with immersive learning experiences in international settings. At WMed, this includes establishing strategic partnerships with institutions such as the University of Minho and the University of Évora in Portugal, as well as Seoul National University in South Korea. These collaborations enhance our academic programs, research opportunities, and clinical experiences by facilitating exchanges of knowledge, faculty, and students. Through structured study abroad programs, visiting faculty lectures, and cross-border research initiatives, we encourage medical students to develop a deeper understanding of healthcare disparities, medical ethics, and best practices from around the world. These opportunities allow participants to gain firsthand experience in diverse healthcare environments, enriching their education and shaping them into well-rounded, culturally competent physicians.
Additionally, WMed is committed to advancing global health programming, focusing on health equity, policy development, and sustainable medical practices in underserved regions. Our global health initiatives connect students and faculty with global partners and international projects that address pressing health challenges, such as infectious disease management, maternal and child health, and mental health disparities. By engaging in these efforts, and by emphasizing ethical engagement and long-term collaboration, WMed strengthens its role as a leader in medical education and contributes to building healthier communities worldwide.
Through global engagement, WMed reinforces its dedication to excellence in medical education, research, and healthcare delivery. By fostering international collaborations and integrating a global perspective into our training programs, we empower future physicians with the knowledge, skills, and cultural awareness needed to address the evolving challenges of modern medicine.
We invite students, faculty, and partners to join us in this mission, shaping a more connected and health-focused world together.