University of Wisconsin establishes Center for Global Health

The University of Wisconsin School of Veterinary Medicine has teamed up with four other academic units on the Madison campus to establish a Center for Global Health.

The Center for Global Health is the first of its kind, according to the university. The collaborative initiative encompasses the School of Veterinary Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Medical School, School of Nursing, and Division of International Studies.

The School of Veterinary Medicine's efforts in the field of international health have included work on influenza, malaria, and paratuberculosis.

"Veterinarians play a critical role in animal and human health and well-being around the world," said Dr. Daryl D. Buss, dean of the School of Veterinary Medicine. "The heightened risk for inadvertent or deliberate introduction of devastating diseases affecting animals and humans emphasizes the need for a global perspective for veterinary medicine as part of the health care team."

The goals of the Center for Global Health are to create curricula, support research, and develop partnerships with key institutions.

Education programs in global health will include a range of study-abroad options, interdisciplinary courses and programs, a certificate in global health, and tracks or concentrations in global health for students pursuing a master's or doctoral degree.

The center will encourage research by serving as a catalyst and clearinghouse for information sharing and networking among faculty and staff. The center also will foster research projects in global health.

More information about the center is available at www.pophealth.wisc.edu/gh/.