MCW Office of Global Health

Global Health Research

MCW faculty are global collaborators in studying the world’s research questions. They are engaging in local research efforts at address global health issues at home as well as multi-national, multi-site research collaborations. Research collaborations stretch across the disciplines of behavioral medicine, biostatistics, emergency medicine, epidemiology, psychiatry, public health, surgery, amongst medical specialties. They are engaged in multi-country research studies in over two dozen countries like Belize, El Salvador, Great Britain, Haiti, Nepal, Liberia, Israel Nigeria, Kenya, Panama, Peru, Poland, Russia, Rwanda, Turkey, Uganda, and the United States. They are collaborating in global research in health issues that span cancer, chronic disease, COVID-19, diabetes, HIV/AIDS, neglected tropical disease, leishmaniasis, ocular disorders, pediatric procedural sedation, perioperative pain management, injury, social determinants of health, substance use, trauma, for example.

Dr. Elaine Kohler Summer Academy of Global Health Research

Dr. Elaine Kohler, a MCW alumnus (Pediatrics Fellowship 1968) and former Associate Professor of Pediatrics (1968-1981) is remembered by her medical colleagues and within the community she served with deep respect for her advocacy in the fields of diabetes, obesity, heavy metal toxicity and mental health. This scholarship fund is for the summer global health research program for medical students who seek to recognize Dr. Kohler’s legacy long after her untimely death in 1981. The fund, provided by the Wm. Collins Kohler Foundation, pays tribute to her life’s local and global health work by providing support for those projects and individuals who carry on her selfless commitment to helping others.

The Dr. Elaine Kohler Summer Academy of Global Health Research encourages talented rising M2's to enter the research field during a 10-week hands-on experience. Over the course of the summer, students split their research experience addressing health disparities both locally in Milwaukee and internationally with our faculty’s global collaborators. This mentored experience allows students the opportunity to address global health issues such as Adolescent Health; Cancer, Disaster Preparedness; Environmental Health; Healthcare Systems Management; HIV/AIDS; Hospice Care; Infectious Disease; Injury; Population Health; Quality Improvement; Tropical Dermatology; Toxicology; Vector Control; and Water & Human Health. Students will be paired with a faculty member and their global and local partners.

Since 2011, 71 medical students have completed faculty mentored research with their global collaborators across 19 countries. View the global locations map and collaborators (PDF). Over 40% have disseminated their research via publications and academic conferences. View the scholarly outputs of past Kohler Scholars (PDF). Due to COVID-19 travel restrictions and an over abundance of safety, Kohler Scholars are engaging in global research areas from home.

Dr. Elaine Kohler Summer Academy

View Kohler Summer Scholars Archive (2011-2019) (PDF)

Summer 2022

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Alenna Beroza

International Organization
Alliance for Women Advocating for Change, Uganda

Faculty
Dr. Kirsten Beyer, PhD, MPH, Professor Epidemiology, Institute for Health and Equity

Study
A scoping review of HPV and cervical cancer knowledge, attitudes, practices, and prevention among female sex workers in Africa

Purpose
To understand the knowledge, attitudes, and current practices regarding HPV and cervical cancer prevention of FSW in Africa. To map prevention strategies and interventions implemented in Africa to prevent HPV and cervical cancer among FSW. To identify key themes from the existing literature to guide future public health program development.

Ana Johnson Escauriza

International Organization
General Calixto-Garcia University Hospital, Cuba

Faculty
Dr. Marc De Moya, MD, Chief Trauma and Critical Care, Surgery

Study
Culture of Patient Safety and Team Communication in the Operating Room of a University Hospital in Cuba

Purpose
To analyze and identify the Cuban culture of patient safety and communication among the operating room (OR) teams of the General Calixto-Garcia University Hospital in La Havana, Cuba.

Ana Mia Corujo Ramirez

International Organization
Puerto Rico Public Health Trust

Faculty
Dr. Zeno Franco, PhD, Research, Family Medicine, Medical Effectiveness Research Center

Study
Implementation of a COVID-19 antigen testing protocol at the Parcelas Suarez in Loiza, Puerto Rico

Purpose
The overall study goals are to understand COVID-19 related community needs, increase access to COVID-19 testing, local resources and improve vaccination distribution. Objective 1: Perform baseline and follow up surveys to understand COVID-19 related barriers and needs in the community. Objective 2: Alleviate COVID testing barriers across Loíza by implementing a new COVID-19 testing protocol.

Berenice Ramirez Leal

International Organization
General Calixto-Garcia University, Cuba

Faculty
Dr. Marc de Moya, MD, Chief Trauma and Critical Care, Surgery

Study
Real-Time Electronic Record and Clinical Guidelines Implementation in a University Hospital in Cuba

Purpose
Identify what fields and sections can be implemented in the hospital and customize the platform T6 accordingly. Identify the infrastructure limitations and propose modifications for improvement along with further training for the medical team.

Hamsitha Karra

International Organization
University Teaching Hospital, Rwanda

Faculty
Dr. Chris Dodgion, MD, Professor Trauma and Critical Care and Dr. Libby Schroeder, PAC, Physician Assistant General Surgery

Study
An Assessment of Trauma Registry Missing Data and Standardization at the University Teaching Hospital of Kigali, Rwanda

Purpose
To evaluate the percentage of data points missing amongst variables in the trauma collection forms utilized at CHUK2. To assess whether data documentation was standardized.

Heloise Cheruvalath

International Organization
University Teaching Hospital, Rwanda

Faculty
Dr. Chris Dodgion, MD, Professor Trauma and Critical Care and Dr. Libby Schroeder, PAC, Physician Assistant General Surgery

Study
Pilot and Assessment of the Rwanda912 Ambulance System in Kigali, Rwanda

Purpose
Aim 1: Evaluate the feasibility of the Rwanda912 app as an effective tool for SAMU to reduce delays in Kigali and determine possible areas of error or improvement. Collect qualitative information about what the main points of delay are within Kigali’s prehospital care system.

Kaitlyn Seibold

International Organization
University of Port-Harcourt Teaching Hospital, Ethiopia

Faculty
Dr. Lolia Abibo, MD, Professor General Internal Medicine, Medicine, Hospitalist

Study
The Roll-Out of a Diabetes Self-Management Education and Support Program in Southern Nigeria

Purpose
To determine the effectiveness of a diabetes educator course and a DSME/S program specifically designed for the southern Nigerian population at the University of Port-Harcourt Teaching Hospital.

Kayleigh Cook

International Organization
Nigeria Addis Ababa University, Bahir Dar University, Sidama Regional Health Bureau

Faculty
Dr. Katie Iverson, MD, MPH, Professor of Surgery Trauma and Critical Care

Study
Strengthening Surgical Systems in Ethiopia: An Assessment of Sustainability in Data Practices

Purpose
Evaluate the quality of current surgical indicator collection and reporting practices at the hospital level. Data quality is defined as consistency, validity, completeness, and timeliness. Determine facilitators and barriers to accurate surgical data acquisition in these facilities by assessing the flow of surgical data collection and recording.

Matida Bojang

International Organization
Uganda Makerere University, Uganda Cancer Institute

Faculty
Dr. Kirsten Beyer, PhD, MPH, Professor Epidemiology, Institute for Health and Equity

Study
Patient Perspectives on the Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Cancer Control and Prevention in Uganda: A Qualitative Study

Purpose
To identify and explore barriers faced by UCI cancer patients during the COVID-19 pandemic. To enhance provision and use of cancer treatment and prevention services. To better prepare the Uganda cancer control system for future public health emergencies.

Michael Esson

International Organization
Tanzania Ifkara Health Institute, Bagamoyo District Hospital, University of Iowa Carver

Faculty
Dr. Kari Wanat, MD, Vice Chair, Professor Dermatology, Administration

Study
Improving Access to Dermatology Specialty Services in Bagamoyo, Tanzania using Teledermatology

Purpose
To identify the common categories of skin diseases observed in Bagamoyo, Tanzania 2. To compare concordance of diagnosis and treatment between Tanzanian primary care doctors and dermatologist via teledermatology consults.

Summer 2021

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Nina Punyamurthy

International Organization
Medical College of WI

Faculty
Karolyn A. Wanat

Study
Invasive Fungal Infections at an Urban Tertiary Care Center - A Retrospective Review

Purpose

  1. Describe cutaneous fungal infections in the patient population of a tertiary care center
  2. Identify risk factors that contribute to the development of cutaneous fungal infections
  3. Identify treatment algorithms for these patients
Natalie Anumolu

International Organization
Makerere University

Faculty
Kirsten Beyer

Study
By the they run into [the] hospital, their life is already at stake

Purpose

  • Explore Ugandan HIV professionals’ knowledge and perceptions on CxCa, given HIV & HPV comorbidity
  • Identify perceived barriers and facilitators to CxCa screening and treatment, among women living with HIV (WLHIV)
Nisha Patel

International Organization
Medical College of Wisconsin

Faculty
Kirsten Beyer

Study
"Volume became our Achille’s heel” - Lessons learned from COVID-19 Response in Southeastern WI to build systems resilience for future challenges

Purpose
Characterize how the COVID-19 pandemic has affected individuals and organizations across sectors in greater Milwaukee’s seven counties (M7) by generating evidence to inform policy, strengthen partnerships, and improve practices to reduce healthcare disparities and prepare for COVID-19 long term effects and future public health emergencies

 

Rachel Weber

International Organization
Makerere University & Kampala Cancer Registry

Faculty
Kirsten Beyer

Study
Breast cancer incidence and predictive parish-level social determinants of health in and around Kampala, Uganda

Purpose
To identify associations between parish-level social determinants of health and the incidence of breast cancer within the Kampala Cancer Registry catchment area in order to inform the targeting of limited cancer prevention and control resources.

Jessica Miller

International Organization
Tunisian Center for Public Health & Global Health Strategies

Faculty
Melek Somai

Study
Rethinking data during a global pandemic: Open data initiative on COVID-19 in the middle east & North Africa

Purpose

  1. To create a centralized open source data repository for data about COVID-19 in the MENA region
  2. To automate and correlate data from various academic and public sources and produce a virtual platform and map which illustrates regional patterns and inequities in COVID-19 spread and vaccination
  3. To gauge the impact and utility of both a data repository and virtual platform
Morgan Leissring

International Organization
Hawassa University

Faculty
Libby Schroeder and Christopher Dodgion

Study
A scoping review of surgical access to pediatric patients with congenital anomalies in Ethiopia

Purpose

  • Conduct a scoping review of the literature to gain an understanding of the current research available on congenital anomalies in children in low- and middle- income countries (LMICs)
  • Assess the need for further research on surgical outcomes for congenital anomalies to inform interventions, policy, and capacity building at Hawassa University Comprehensive Specialized Hospital (HUCSH)
Jara McLarren

International Organization
University of Havana, Cuba/Calixto-Garcia Hospital

Faculty
Marc de Moya

Study
Teamwork as a mechanism to improve the surgical culture of safety

Purpose

  1. Conduct literature review to examine evidence regarding the relationship between teamwork and patient safety
  2. Identify teamwork interventions that have been implemented to improve the surgical culture of safety
Celeste Pain

International Organization
Calixto-Garcia Hospital, University of Havana

Faculty
Mac de Moya

Study
Trauma Registry and Complex Data Collection in Cuba: A Scoping Review

Purpose

  1. Explore the existing evidence on the effectiveness of using dat from trauma registries for quality improvement in LMIC
  2. Identify gaps in the implementation of similar programs in Cuba

Summer 2020

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Emily Nylon

International Organization
University of Rzeszów

Faculty
Dr. Greg Telega

Study
Attitudes of new mothers towards preventive immunizations (PDF) | Voice-over

Purpose
Conduct a literature search to identify what sources the global general public uses to find information on health topics including vaccines, and 2) Identify common myths and misinformation regarding childhood vaccinations.

Emily Krueger

International Organization
Dhulikhel Hospital

Faculty
Dr. Ted MacKinney & Dr. Dean Klinge

Study
Quality improvement for COPD patients in a Nepal hospital ER Perceived Prevalence of Peripheral Arterial Disease Amongst Nepali Medical Personnel (PDF) | Voice-over

Purpose
Survey Nepalese medical trainees (students and interns) on their perception of the prevalence of PAD among people in Nepal 2. Compare and contrast medical trainees’ level of comfort and familiarity of PAD diagnosis based on the amount of PAD lectures received.

Megan Yee

International Organization
Ifakara Research Institute Bagamoyo Hospital

Faculty
Dr. Karolyn Wanat

Study
Assessing the Feasibility and Acceptability of a Teledermatology Platform in Tanzania (PDF) | Voice-over

Purpose
To evaluate the feasibility of a secure TD platform in providing dermatologic consult services in Bagamoyo District Hospital (BDH) 2. To assess BDH healthcare provider and patient acceptability and comfortability with TD platform implementation.

Quamaine Bond

International Organization
Ifakara Research Institute Bagamoyo Hospital

Faculty
Dr. Karolyn Wanat

Study
Improving dermatology specialty outreach services in remote areas of Tanzania using teledermatology and teledermatopathology (PDF) | Voice-over

Purpose
To identify common dermatologic conditions seen and develop treatment protocols using available local formularies/resources. To develop targeted educational workshops to local providers to enhance knowledge in identifying and treating common dermatologic diseases.

Gifty Marfowaa

International Organization
MCW Center for Advancing Population Heath Sciences

Faculty
Dr. Leonard Egede & Dr. Rebekah Walker

Study
Relationship between social cohesion and chronic disease risk (diabetes) to understand the role of social capital in this pathway across 5 global regions (China, Ghana, India, Mexico, Russian Federation, South Africa) Explore the Lived Experience & Understanding the Impact of COVID-19 Among Inner-city African Americans (PDF) | Voice-over

Purpose
To examine the association between wealth and diabetes across five regions of the world.

Cassandre Krier

International Organization
Center for Advancing Women and Science and Medicine

Faculty
Dr. Libby Ellinas

Study
Impact of COVID-19 on Women (PDF) | Voice-over

Purpose
To determine the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on current medical students and their adaption to remote learning, and potential impacts on their professional development and future professional and personal decisions.

Michael Hii

International Organization
MCW Department of Emergency Medicine

Faculty
Dr. Caitlin Rublee

Study
Health outcomes of coal power in Wisconsin and benefits of renewable energy sources (PDF) | Voice-over

Purpose
To quantify the relationship between race/ethnicity, residential distance from CFPP and respiratory function of Wisconsin residents.

Kia Lechleitner

International Organization
The AIDS Support Organisation

Faculty
Dr. Kirsten Beyer

Study
Professional Perspectives on HPV and Cervical Cancer Prevention and Control in Women Living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infection in Uganda (PDF) | Voice-over

Purpose
Assess public health and health care professionals’ perspectives regarding HPV and CC among WHIV in Uganda in order to identify perceived barriers and facilitators and to guide potential interventions to reduce the burden of cervical cancer in Uganda.

Hannah Racicot

International Organization
HealthBuilders

Faculty
Dr. Laura Cassidy

Study
Access to mental health care and initiatives to improve health care in Rwanda (PDF) | Voice-over

Purpose
Conduct a scoping literature review to examine current evidence on mental healthcare access and effectiveness of mental health interventions in Rwanda 2. Identify themes in barriers to accessing care and effective mental health interventions 3. Provide mental health intervention recommendations to inform future grant submissions and a quality improvement project with Health Builders to strengthen mental health care infrastructure across their rural clinics in Rwanda.

Lauren Tostrud

International Organization
HealthBuilders

Faculty
Dr. Laura Cassidy

Study
Mental health status in Rwanda following the genocide HIV adherence in children of mothers with HIV (PDF) | Voice-over

Purpose
Aim 1: To conduct a scoping review of the literature in order to gain an understanding of the intergenerational effects of the genocide on the Tutsi people of Rwanda. Aim 2: To develop themes from the literature that identify and influence areas for further research on intergenerational effects. Aim 3: To assess the mental health status and needs in Rwanda in order to respond efficiently to the population’s needs and inform capacity building, interventions, and policy in partnership with Health Builders.