Two months after returning home, LaShonda Peña reflects on how her global health elective in Botswana continues to shape her growth as a future physician. From meaningful clinical experiences in the Accident and Emergency Department to lasting friendships and a new perspective on patient care, Botswana left a lasting impact. Her reflection explores how adaptability, clinical reasoning, and human connection transcended resources and transformed both her medical training and ou

The July 2026 Global Health Academy Newsletter highlights a successful Youth Academy Summer School that empowered future health leaders through leadership and wellness training. Featured updates include global health site visits in the Philippines and Vietnam, international student electives across five countries, a Botswana healthcare equipment donation, insights from the latest GHA Dialogues session on malaria, and preparations for the Fifth Annual Global Health Conference.

One month after her global health elective in Botswana, Monika Mikolajczak, MD reflects on the profound impact of relationships, gratitude, and patient-centered care in a resource-limited setting. Contrasting this experience with the technology-driven U.S. system, she explores how Botswana reshaped her perspective on medicine. Her experience reminded her that compassion, connection, and presence are often more powerful than any intervention.

Conference highlights, Pitchfest winners, UNGA Science Summit sessions, a powerful perspective on global health investment, new partnerships in Botswana, scholar updates, and celebrations of leadership across our global network.