Skip to main content
6 answers
6
Asked 4508 views

What is the career path to a successful career in international health care?

I want to work internationally, and I work to work in health care. What are the different options, and how should I prepare myself so that I am successful? #healthcare #health #career-paths #international #career-options

+25 Karma if successful
From: You
To: Friend
Subject: Career question for you

6

6 answers


5
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Joe’s Answer

Now, more than ever, our career paths in the 21st century have become a patchwork of different experiences across a number of job sectors and fields. No longer do we speak of our career in terms of the single job/single organization mentality. In a many respects, we are all becoming independent contractors, marketing our skills and services for use in projects and endeavors as opportunities arise.


In the field of international healthcare, the 'independent contractor' lifestyle certainly holds true. If you are interested in working on improving health in developing countries, you will probably spend your career working with a number of different employers in the public, private and non-profit sectors. Examples of employers in international healthcare include: The World Health Organization (WHO), Doctors Without Borders, the US Government, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, and the United Nations. International healthcare workers spend their time developing solutions to some of the world's greatest health challenges, such as HIV/AIDS, malaria and child malnutrition.


The international healthcare field is comprised of specialists from a variety of different backgrounds. The three most typical educational paths to a career in international healthcare are as follows:


1- Become a doctor.


2- Become a public health specialist


3- Become an international affairs professional


Each of the above paths into the field of international health development are unique. As many of you know, becoming a doctor can be a very challenging yet very rewarding career path. To do so, you will need exceptionally good grades at a four-year undergraduate university to get into a four-year medical school. Public health and international affairs specialists require a similar path through college, but instead of going to medical school, students will pursue masters degrees from public health and international affairs schools. While a doctorate or master's degree is not required to enter the field of international healthcare, the field is very competitive and great value is placed on developing technical healthcare skills throughout your education.


If you're interested in helping to improve the health of those living in some of the world's poorest countries, the field of international healthcare development may be for you. The field demands innovative thinking, hard work and a passion for healthcare. All in all, a career in international healthcare development offers you an unprecedented opportunity to positively affect the world you live in.

5
2
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Sandra’s Answer

For me, the path is: study hard in high school, take the professional medical training, and (realistically) explore what i am interested in by doing. In high school or even in medical school, i thought the only way of working on health was to be a doctor. so i worked hard to get myself in medical school. but during my residency, i found i don't really like being a doctor. it is a respectful profession, but would i like to spend all my lifetime to specialize my skills to see patients of one category of diseases? definitely i hope some of my friends from medical school or the others like to be specialist, devoting themselves to improve our understandings and health. but i feel that's not what i am interested in. i started looking for something else, but related with medical science (this is why i said realistically). i know any kind of work requires a certain level of skills. if i want to switch, at least i have to convince one employer with my potential learnings. i justified in having the skills required for a public health job, and i started working on public health programs, in rural communities at beginning, and at national level and at the policy level later. It is exciting because public health is everywhere: change people's behavior of washing hands, eating healthy, fastening the seat belt etc etc. I sort of regret that, i should have taken more classes and learned more of other disciplines, such as sociology, political science and economics.

2
1
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Suzanne’s Answer

<html><head></head><body>

You might also want to explore the ideas of healthcare engineering and/or (global) healthcare technology design. Many healthcare technologies and interventions are expensive, which means that poorer countries often have less-than-ideal access to them. However, designers and engineers are inventing new, cheaper, and easy-to-distribute technologies that could make huge differences in international health. Innovations in International Health's website is one of many related online resources: http://iih.mit.edu/index.html

</body></html>
1
1
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Robert’s Answer

There is certainly not just a single career path to take for International healthcare. You should probably first look at the market components and decide which you want to try to jump into. The way I see it there are two primary segments (1) Providers – delivery (i.e. doctors and hospitals. (2)Payers- While this is really the business only side (i.e. Insurance Cos.) of the market, it is still based on the healthcare industry.
Even if you have an academic degree (i.e. marketing, business management, etc) rather than a medical degree- you can still look for opportunities in the international provider space - some very common examples of this:
Pharmaceutical companies (Sales, Marketing, trial Project Managers, etc)- is a huge and diverse industry segment.
ISVs (Independent Software Vendors)- these are the guys that are at the cutting edge of medical technology and typically have a wide global footprint. (Think EMR technology for example). Get into the company, even in one of their landing countries- and then identify the group/position that acts internationally for the organization. Remember- there are a lot of blue chip companies that are not headquartered in the US.

Hope this helps.- rbt

1
0
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Julie’s Answer

As I move forward in my career, meeting and working with new colleagues every day, I confirm my belief that career paths are rarely direct. You may have heard this before, or read this in other posts, but there can be so many ways to gain experiences and skills that lead to a successful career. That is certainly the case for international health care. Following a path that fosters open and innovative thinking, however that may look, is something that shouldn't be dismissed. Along with a more "globalized" world comes a more complex set of global health issues. In order to address the challenges we all face in strengthening health care it's important that we bring a mindset to match. Collaboration is essential. Developing yourself to be a strong contributor can come many ways, so focus on what you love to do and how where you want to improve, and follow that path.

0
0
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

James Constantine’s Answer

Hello CVOH,

Career Path to a Successful Career in International Health Care

To pursue a successful career in international health care, there are several key steps and considerations to keep in mind. Below is a comprehensive guide on the career path you can take to achieve your goal:

1. Education and Training:

Undergraduate Degree: Start by obtaining a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field such as public health, nursing, medicine, or global health. This will provide you with a strong foundation for your future career.

Graduate Degree: Consider pursuing a master’s degree or higher in areas like public health, global health, healthcare administration, or international relations. Advanced degrees can open up more opportunities and enhance your expertise in the field.

2. Gain Relevant Experience:

Internships and Volunteer Work: Look for internships or volunteer opportunities with organizations that focus on international health care. This hands-on experience will help you understand the challenges and dynamics of working in different healthcare systems around the world.

Work in Healthcare Settings: Gain experience working in healthcare settings such as hospitals, clinics, or NGOs that have an international focus. This will give you valuable insights into the complexities of providing healthcare on a global scale.

3. Develop Language Skills:

Learn Foreign Languages: Being proficient in one or more foreign languages can be highly beneficial when working in international health care. It can help you communicate effectively with patients, colleagues, and stakeholders from diverse backgrounds.

4. Networking and Professional Development:

Attend Conferences and Workshops: Participate in conferences, workshops, and seminars related to international health care to stay updated on industry trends and build professional connections.

Join Professional Organizations: Become a member of professional organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO), Doctors Without Borders, or the International Medical Corps to network with professionals in the field.

5. Specialize in a Subfield:

Choose a Focus Area: Consider specializing in a specific subfield within international health care such as infectious diseases, maternal and child health, healthcare policy, or disaster response. Developing expertise in a particular area can set you apart in your career.

6. Seek International Opportunities:

Work Abroad: Look for job opportunities abroad through international organizations, NGOs, government agencies, or multinational corporations involved in global health initiatives.

Collaborate on Research Projects: Engage in collaborative research projects with institutions or researchers from different countries to broaden your perspective and contribute to global health knowledge.

7. Stay Informed and Adaptable:

Stay Updated: Keep yourself informed about global health issues, policies, and emerging trends by following reputable sources of information such as journals, reports, and online platforms.

Be Adaptable: International health care environments can be dynamic and challenging. Cultivate adaptability and resilience to navigate diverse cultural contexts and address complex healthcare problems effectively.

By following these steps and continuously investing in your education and professional development, you can build a successful career in international health care.

Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used:

World Health Organization (WHO): The WHO is a leading global authority on public health issues. Their reports, publications, and guidelines provide valuable insights into international health trends and best practices.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): The CDC is a renowned source of information on global health threats, disease outbreaks, and preventive measures. Their resources are widely used by healthcare professionals worldwide.

The Lancet: As one of the oldest and most prestigious medical journals globally, The Lancet publishes cutting-edge research articles on various aspects of global health, making it an essential resource for staying informed about advancements in the field.

These sources were instrumental in providing accurate information on building a successful career in international health care.

GOD BLESS,
JC.
0