Yale Global Health Students United for Regional and Global Education (YGH SURGE)
About the course
The Yale Global Health Students United for Regional and Global Education (YGH SURGE) is a student-led, interactive online global health education program for professional students across disciplines focused on addressing shared global health issues. YGH SURGE was founded as a pilot program in 2020 by Yale medical students Hanya Qureshi and Autumn Nobles, in collaboration with the Yale School of Medicine Office of Global Health Education (YSM OGHE), to foster international and interdisciplinary connection during the COVID-19 pandemic. Since its founding, YGH SURGE has brought together over 400 students from over 35 different countries, 40 institutions and from multiple disciplines, while maintaining strong connections with former participants who serve as alumni advisors to provide mentorship. Today, YGH SURGE strives to form sustainable partnerships and foster the next generation of global health leaders and advocates.
Annual SURGE Themes
- 2020 – The Impact of COVID-19 on Global Health
- 2021 – Rights and Their Violations
- 2022 – Structural Violence and Inequities
- 2023 – Global Health & The Environment
- 2024 – The Role of AI in Global Health
- 2025 – Conflict and Collaboration
- 2026 - Building Global Resilience: Biopsychosocial Approaches to Integrative Care
Mission and Objectives
To promote an interdisciplinary perspective in approaching relevant global health problems and solutions
To facilitate the development of strong connections and partnerships between students of diverse backgrounds and experiences
To explore the strengths of case-based, peer-learning in global health education and innovation
Participation
YGH SURGE is designed for professional students interested in global health in all countries and of all disciplines, including medicine, nursing, pharmacy, law, business, and more. SURGE selects its participants each year through nominations from the administration of professional institutions. Active participation is expected, and stable internet access is required as SURGE is conducted online, via Zoom. If you are interested in participating, please contact us via email and provide us the contact information of your institution’s administration.
Leadership
- Vilma Saint-Louis 2026 Co-Leader (YSM)
- Celine Wang 2026 Co-Leader (YSM)
- Brian Zhou 2026 Co-Leader (YSM)
Contact Us
globalhealth.yale@gmail.com