For some years we’ve been interested in bringing an awareness of the many social, environmental and political factors on health to medical students.

Through 2005 we ran a Global Health series of evening seminars aimed at medical students. We used the Global Health Curriculum developed by Medact in the UK, and have spoken to a number of Irish university deans about developing similar curricula.

Pre-Elective Symposia

In 2007 we held a weekend meeting for medical students from all over Ireland to prepare them for their trips overseas. Students from UCC, RCSI, UCD and TCD attended - and all colleges supported us financially. We had topics on tropical medicines, personal preparedness as well as a discussion on how Trade regulations affect health. The most fruitful exercise was the development of a Charter for Medical Electives, which was subsequently adopted by UCC this year.

Meetings - Social determinants of health

Over 2008 we began fortnightly evening

meetings in Cork - attended by doctors

and students - to discuss a broad range

of issues. Recurrent themes were

The Influence of the Pharmaceutical

Industry in healthcare,

Private versus public healthcare

and comparison of health systems,

Working in the third world,

Travellers’ Health and

Homelessness.

Research Agenda

Many students and Doctors In Training have opportunities for research.

This can often be meaningless, and less fulfilling than it might be.

We are creating a ‘social determinants of health’ research agenda to help with ideas for smaller research projects to achieve meaningful ends.

You can offer your own opinions for research projects on our discussion forum or on our Facebook page.