Apply to be Global Primary Health Care Scholar

Research & Scholarly Opportunities for Harvard Students & Trainees

The Program in Global Primary Health Care, a collaboration between the Harvard Medical School Office for Research Initiatives and Global Programs and the Division of Global Health Equity at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, is pleased to announce research and scholarly opportunities for the 2025-2026 academic year for students of Harvard graduate schools, inclusive of summer 2026 field placements in Southeast Asia through our in-country collaborators:

• Vietnam – Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center/Partnership for Health Advancement in Viet Nam (HAIVN)
• Philippines – University of the Philippines Manila
• Thailand – Praboromarajchanok Institute (PBRI), Ministry of Public Health
• Indonesia – Center for Indonesia’s Strategic Development Initiatives (CISDI)

This scholarly opportunity provides a pathway for students to contribute to ongoing collaborative projects that advance people-centered care approaches within primary healthcare systems strengthening through knowledge generation, innovation, and advocacy. All scholars will be supervised by Harvard Medical School faculty and local academics and will receive monthly teaching and regular support to assist them in completing their project. Each project includes a 4–6 week in-country placement over the northern hemisphere summer, embedded with local project teams.

Program Details

1. Program duration: December 2025 – December 2026 (maximum one year)
2. Eligibility:
   1. Must be currently enrolled in a Harvard graduate school through December 2026 (students graduating in 2026 are not eligible).
   2. Open to Master’s and doctoral-level students only. Undergraduate students are not eligible and should apply through the HGHI Internships Program.
3. Credit: This program is not eligible for course credit.
4. Funding: Students are encouraged to source their own funding via their affiliated School. The Program may be able to provide financial support for candidates unable to secure their own funding, subject to availability and need.
5. Expected Deliverables:
   1. Co-develop a brief project proposal with key question/objective(s), relevant literature review and proposed methods in collaboration with the project team and supervisor
   2. Project-specific outputs (e.g., survey tool, curriculum outline, training assessment)
   3. PowerPoint presentation on process, findings, and recommended next steps
   4. One manuscript draft that may be used for publication
   5. Personal reflection on lessons learned through the experience and cross-country collaboration

2026 Program Tracks

• Vietnam (HAIVN team): Projects focus on strengthening health systems, medical education, and advancing quality improvement in primary health care, with a focus on infectious diseases (e.g., viral hepatitis, HIV)
• Philippines (University of the Philippines Manila): Projects focus on co-design of people-centered primary care reform, addressing the needs of marginalized populations (e.g., people who inject drugs), and improving community engagement in healthcare delivery.
• Thailand (PBRI): Projects focus on research and education innovation in primary health care, including evaluation of PBRI’s model for chronic disease management and the role of village health volunteers
• Indonesia (CISDI): Projects focus on health systems innovation, primary health care transformation, and community-driven approaches to integrated care.

Application Process

Submit a letter of interest that includes:

1. Why you are interested in this opportunity and your preferred country/partner placement.
2. Relevant experience in global health, primary health care, or working in LMIC settings.
3. How this opportunity aligns with your professional development goals.
4. Any committed or possible funding sources (e.g., travel funding, living stipend).

Deadline: Friday, October 31, 2025
Submit to: Heidi Ngov (heidi_ngov@hms.harvard.edu)
CC: Dr. Bethany Holt (bethany_holt@hms.harvard.edu)

Next steps

• Interviews will be offered on a rolling basis from October 31, with final offers made in November.
• Successful applicants must be available for an in-person orientation to be held on December 4, 2025, as part of the annual Student Scholars Seminar.