The Global Health Curriculum at BIDMC Anesthesia

Shweta Yemul Golhar, MD, Edward Clune, MD

Published July 3, 2024 | Clinics in Medical Education 

Issue 7 | Volume 1 | June 2025

At Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC), the Department of Anesthesia, Critical Care, and Pain Medicine is advancing a dynamic and structured Global Health Curriculum to train the next generation of globally minded, equity-driven physician leaders. Rooted in the principle that health is a human right, the program aligns with the department’s mission to enhance perioperative care in resource-limited settings through education, ethical practice, and international collaboration.

The curriculum is led by Dr. Edward Clune and Dr. Shweta Golhar, and is part of a broader institutional commitment to global health. The anesthesia program’s goal is to improve global health equity by developing sustainable educational models and fostering resident engagement across clinical, research, and academic domains.

The Global Health Scholar Track is a multi-year pathway tailored for anesthesiology residents (CA1–CA3) interested in global health. It introduces residents to key topics such as ethical frameworks, health equity, JEDI (Justice, Equity, Diversity, Inclusion), and implementation strategies. Each resident is paired with a mentor and is expected to lead a global health project, engage in journal clubs, and participate in at least four core lectures. Informal meet-ups and peer mentorship foster community and idea exchange. Participants may also pursue international rotations or research projects in global contexts and are recognized with a Global Health Scholar Certificate upon completion.

BIDMC’s global initiatives are far-reaching:

Liberia: Through the Boston-Africa Anesthesia Collaborative (BAAC), the department supports nurse anesthesia education and transnational teaching.

Botswana: Since 2017, BIDMC has supported clinical training and research through Botswana Harvard AIDS partnership.

Bolivia: The team has contributed to ICU POCUS education and maternal health research at high altitudes.

India: A growing POCUS training initiative includes online modules, virtual sessions, and in-person workshops for faculty.

Residents also have access to external opportunities such as the SEA-HVO Traveling Fellowship and the ASA Resident International Anesthesia Scholarship Program. In a world where healthcare challenges transcend borders, BIDMC’s anesthesia global health curriculum exemplifies a commitment to ethical engagement, academic rigor, and sustainable global partnerships.