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997- India- Zero TB Kids & Family

Location: Dharamsala, India

Location type: Urban, Rural

Placement type: Global Health Research Placement

Topic/Theme: Infectious/Communicable Diseases, Non-communicable Diseases, Mental Health, Implementation Research

Minimum length of service: 8 weeks, flexible

Preferred service dates: 05/30/2024 - 8/30/2024

Language requirement: No language requirement

 

Project Description

Zero TB Kids & Family project is a collaboration between Johns Hopkins University and Partners in India and Nepal. Project activities consists of TB education, screening, treatment and preventive therapy in mobile service delivery models using cutting edge technology including artificial x-ray enabled image reading, molecular diagnostics and short course preventive treatment tools. Students have the opportunity to be based in Dharamsala, India, or Kathmandu, Nepal. Past students have been able to accompany the project team to schools, monasteries and nunneries in the vicinity, and take part in project activities. There are opportunities for students to engage in focus group discussions with schoolchildren, staff-members or program staff. Additionally, students will have the opportunity to help in developing a dedicated survey to better understand factors associated with uptake of TB screening and TPT. Depending upon interest and expertise, data analysis projects such as understanding how the pandemic has affected presentation of TB cases to the program, etc, are available. We are currently integrating non-communicable disease services into our mainstream Zero TB project. Therefore, there are multiple opportunities to work on intersections between TB and NCD such as mental health, diabetes and CVD. Additionally, there is opportunity to learn about Tibetan culture and community-in-exile.The projects in India as well as Nepal are IRB approved.

Scope of Work

1) Assist the Zero TB project staff to implement a survey in a defined population in a school or monastery to understand factors associated with TPT uptake.

2) Participate in analysis of the survey data or existing de-identified datasets.

3) Present a poster in a conference.

4) The student will have opportunity to attend ward-rounds at the hospital and, observe the program staff in management of TB cases.

The professional environment is...

Community hospital, working with Zero TB team in Dharamsala or Kathmandu.

This placement would be a good fit for someone who...

Is passionate about global health and additionally interested in global health equity, refugee health, children's health.

Required Skills
Understanding of epidemiology, and be observant, and ability to work in a team.
Site PI/Mentor Info

Name: Kunchok Dorjee, Department of Medicine, kdorjee1@jhmi.edu

I would describe my communication and mentorship styles as... 

I am usually flexible and adaptive depending upon the academic needs, qualification, and prior global health experience of the student. Some students do better with structured mentorship and I am amenable. However, I see it important to have a well-carved out project, with set deliverables. I enjoy exchanging experiences and stories from my global health ventures.

A complementary student would have a working style and mentorship expectations that are..

Passionate about global health, willingness to learn, be considerate of diverse cultures and ideological differences. I travel internationally and therefore, sometimes, I would appreciate flexibility on the students' part to be able to communicate via WhatsApp calls or texting.

Costs of Living and Support

$1000

Additional stipend available.