On March 27th and March 28th, the Health Studies Students’ Union is proud to present the HSSU Annual Health Symposium featuring presentations from students who have been conducting independent research and an opportunity to engage in public discussions regarding their projects of interest.

In engaging the University of Toronto Community with real-world, health related issues, the HSSU presents a panelist discussion with three experts from different fields to discuss the clinical impacts of health and health care as we live in what is considered the Age of “Austerity”. Speakers will offer their opinions and then an opportunity for the audience to engage in discussions will follow.

The itinerary

March 27th:

2pm – 5pm UC 67 (basement of University College) Student Research Presentations (Luncheon)

March 28th:

4pm – 6pm: UC140 (University College, East End) – Panelist Discussion
6 pm – 8:30pm: UC 240 (University College, Second Floor, East End) – HSSU Journal Launch Reception (Drinks and refreshments will be served)

Our Panelist Discussion speakers:

Dr. Kwame McKenzie - psychiatrist and researcher whose work at CAMH focuses on racialization and mental health

Dr. Susan Woolhouse - physician and advocate who has won awards for her work in community health

Economist Sheila Block - director of economic analysis at the Wellesley Institute.

This event is FREE and open to all members and affiliates of the University of Toronto community.

If you have any questions or concerns, please email healthstudies@gmail.com

We hope to see you there!

Separate from this, is the reality students face after graduation: heavy debt loads and rising unemployment. While this hints at a broader political issue, does the university have a role in providing assistance?

It’s time we, as students, re-imagine a university system that works for us.
How can we cultivate an environment that is supportive and promotes wellness?

Lets Talk Health is a health advocacy group formed by health students at the University of Toronto.

We want to hear from you. Please share your ideas, stories and strategies. Come out to the town hall to let yourself be heard. The purpose of the event will be to create a mental health action plan. UofT students who can not attend can answer an online survey to rate our campus!

Speaking at the event is Steve Lurie, executive director of the Canadian Mental Health Association (Toronto branch) and a professor of social work at UofT.

Date: Thursday, March 21, 2013
Time: 6:00pm – 8:00pm
Location: UC67

 Twitter is one of the best ways to connect with global health professionals, stay current with literature , events and learn about the broad field of global health.  Much like the goals of Global Health , twitter breaks down barriers of geography  between those with common passions. No matter what your interests, be it  maternal and child health or economics of global development you will find others discussing issues you care about.

But I have nothing to tweet…. Just like any conversation, listening to what others have to say is just as important as doing the talking. Do not let the fear of having “nothing to say” prevent you from getting on twitter. Simply following people you admire or tuning in for tweetchats is a valuable way of discovering new resources or fields.Below are some people and organizations GHE thinks are thought leaders, great resources and wonderful additions to your twitter feeds.

Think we missed someone? Tweet at us @GHEducation

Want to follow everyone we do? Simply join our Global Health Essentials list on twitter.

Karen Grepin ‏ @KarenGrepin

Assistant Professor of Global Health Policy@nyuwagner. I tweet about all things#globalhealth, esp. dev. assistance, maternal health, #mhealth and jobs.

CSIH ‏ @globalsante

The Canadian Society for International Health is a national NGO that works domestically and internationally to reduce global health inequalities.

USAID ‏ Verified account @USAID

This is the official Twitter feed for USAID, the lead U.S. government agency providing development and humanitarian assistance worldwide for over 50 years.

Tom Paulson ‏ @tompaulson

Journalist/blogger now covering global health & development issues out of Seattle athttp://t.co/oQYGKwu6. Can seem kind of cranky at times but he means well.

Andrew Pinto ‏ @AndrewDPinto

#PublicHealth specialist & family doc@stmikeshospital. Research fellow@CRICH_StMikes. Work in#healtheconomics, #justice and#globalhealth. Tweets are my own.

Global Health ‏ @GHJournal

Globalization and Health is an open access, peer-reviewed, online journal that addresses global health issues in the context of a rapidly changing world

Ophira Ginsburg ‏ @OphiraG

medical oncologist, global health researcher, incorrigible idealist

Alanna Shaikh ‏ @alanna_shaikh

International development optimist & skeptic, global health & int’l dev blogger at Blood & Milk, Tomorrow Global. TED fellow. All tweets mine not employer’s.

Physicians for Human Rights uses science and medicine to stop human rights violations.

Professor of Public Health and of Surgery; Chief Science and Ethics Officer@gchallenges; Founding Chair, Global Alliance for Chronic Diseases (2009-2011)

Gates Foundation ‏ Verified account @gatesfoundation

We work to help all people lead healthy, productive lives, focused on health, poverty, and opportunity. Follow our work:@gateshealth, @gatespoverty, @gatesed.

Global Development ‏ Verified account @GdnDevelopment

Join the debate about how to solve the world’s biggest problems on the Guardian’s global development site. Talk to us here or via development@guardian.co.uk

grandchallenges.ca ‏ @gchallenges

Grand Challenges Canada is dedicated to supporting bold ideas with big impact in global health. Also follow @PeterASinger@AbdallahDaar @TaylorAndrew1

Peter Singer ‏ @PeterASinger

CEO of Grand Challenges Canada. Dedicated 2 supporting bold ideas w/ big impact in global health

Sandra Rotman Centre ‏ @srcglobal

Innovation for global health – We empower innovators to save and improve lives globally. Also follow @PeterASinger

MSF Canada ‏ @MSF_canada

The Canadian office of Médecins Sans Frontières / Doctors Without Borders (MSF), an international medical humanitarian organization working in over 60 countries

Dr. Samantha Nutt ‏ @SamanthaNutt

Founder & Executive Director of War Child North America. Assistant Prof at UofT. Public speaker, writer, activist and squeeky wheel. Author of Damned Nations

GlobalHealthHub ‏ @GHhub

GHHub aggregates global health & development blogs, journals, news, jobs, events & more f/ the web, as well as posts original articles by GHHub writers.

CCGHR @CCGHR The Canadian Coalition for Global Health Research (CCGHR) is a not-for-profit organization promoting better & more equitable health worldwide. http://www.ccghr.ca

Cdn Council Refugees ‏ @ccrweb

The Canadian Council for Refugees is committed to the rights and protection of refugees in Canada and around the world.

Joseph Cafazzo ‏ @JosephCafazzo

Researcher in Healthcare Human Factors and patient self-care through mHealth. Director @ The Centre for Global eHealth Innovation.

Global Health Review ‏ @globalhealthrev

Connecting academia, professionals, and organizations to further global health development. Like us athttp://fb.me/globalhealthreview.

CIDA.CA ‏ Verified account @CIDA_CA

CIDA is leading Canada’s international effort to reduce poverty. En français : @acdi_ca

Keith Martin MD ‏ @keithmartinmd

Fmr Canadian MP. Physician. Health, Foreign Affairs, Conservationist. Head of Secretariat, Consortium of Universities for Global Health @cughnews

Tweets mine

eHealthGlobalHealth ‏ @healthglobal

Global Health, Health Equity Research,#HESP, Disparities, #eHealth, Public Health,#Medicine, #hcsmglobal #CBPR #ePatient#S4PM #CFHA http://t.co/ydFUPoYc

Grameen Foundation ‏ @GrameenFdn

Grameen Foundation helps the world’s poorest, especially women, gain access to financial services, life-changing information and unique business opportunities.

Global Health TV ‏ @GlobalHealth_TV

Global broadcaster using online tv to connect communities

JHU Public Health ‏ Verified account @JohnsHopkinsSPH

Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health – Protecting Health, Saving Lives, Millions at a Time

DFID ‏ Verified account @DFID_UK

The Department for International Development (DFID) – leading the UK Government’s fight against world poverty. Tweeting on #UKaid and #GlobalDev

Ritika Goel ‏ @RitikaGoelTO

Toronto-based family doc, public health professional. Tweets on the intersection of health, politics & social justice.

EngenderHealth ‏ @EngenderHealth

Global nonprofit organization working to improve sexual and reproductive health for women and girls around the world.

Dignitas Intl ‏ @DignitasIntl

Dignitas International is a medical humanitarian organization dedicated to improving access to treatment and quality of care for #HIV/AIDS and related diseases.

The Lancet ‏ @TheLancet

Welcome to The Lancet on Twitter. Keep in touch with The Lancet, the world’s leading general medical journal.

 

The 15th annual UTIHP Health & Human Rights Conference : Global Health and Human Rights, A Canadian Perspective , is less than a  month away!

From March 22- 23rd, this conference brings together undergraduate, graduate, and professional students together, engaging them in a dialogue about pertinent global health issues, connecting them to like-minded individuals, and empowering them to act and contribute to solutions for global health disparities home and abroad.

This year’s theme is Global Health and Human Rights: A Canadian Perspective’ and the conference will explore Canada’s response to global health issues through policy, NGO contributions, and individual efforts

When:  March 22-23rd

Where: McLeod Auditorium; Medical Sciences Building (1 Kings College Circle), University of Toronto (see Map)

Tickets are selling fast , make sure you register today!

Check out the conference schdule here

Or browse the amazing line up of speakers 

Keynote Speakers:

Dr. Samantha Nutt, Founder and Executive Director of War Child Canada

James Fraser, MPA, Co-founder of Dignitas International

TedXStyle Talks:

Dr. Joseph Cafazzo, Lead, eHealth Innovation, University Health Network

Our theme this year is “Corruption in the Healthcare System,” scheduled for March 22-24th, 2013.

One Month Left! 

This year, we have over 120 delegates registered this far, spanning a total of 4 provinces (From Alberta to Quebec). They all come from diverse backgrounds such as Microbiology, Health Sciences, Medicine, International Development, Political Science, Anthropology, Economics, etc, and are all coming together in roughly one month’s time to debate and discuss on some of today’s most pressing issues.

 Why did we choose “Corruption in Global Healthcare Systems” as our theme? Check out our (short) promotion video that our Media Team put together here!

 I’m very interested in the topic. How can I learn more about it? Our background guide on the topic is out, and can be found here! 

 How do I register? The registration form for the 2013 Montreal World Health Organization Simulation can be found here. We are tentatively closing registration in early March.

 I can’t come, but can I somehow still get involved? Our media team will be working hard to ensure access to even those who cannot come. We’ll be featuring a continuous Twitter updates throughout the conference, and providing video coverage on our Youtube channel.

 Can I volunteer? We currently are only recruiting Montreal volunteers for Media staff. The application form can be found here, and any inquiries can be directed to staff@monwho.org.

Important Dates 

March 13th, 2013 Deadline to register for MonWHO 2013′s annual Global Health Fair, showcasing the work of NGOs, projects, and student initiatives in the field of Global Health. All are welcome to apply! 

March 14th, 2013, 12:00 am EST Deadline to submit position papers. A friendly reminder that only delegates that have submitted position papers are eligible for awards.

March 22-24th, 2013 2013 Montreal World Health Organization Simulation Montreal, Quebec

Mar 7, 2013, 12pm-2pm
Hart House, East Common Room (1st Floor)
Lunch and snacks will be served

Moderator:

Professor Joseph Wong, Professor of Political Science, Canada Research Chair in Health and Development, Director of the Asian Institute

Presenters:

Dr Rahim Rezaie, Research Fellow, Rotman School of Management / Munk School of Global Affairs
Globalization of Innovation: Implications for Global Health
Rahim will focus on globalization of biopharmaceutical innovation, role of key emerging markets (India, China and Brazil), and consequences for addressing global health needs, particularly in the context of neglected diseases.

Nadia Fazal, PhD Student, Dalla Lana School of Public Health
Promoting Holistic Health, Solidarity and the Rights of Women in North Kivu, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)
Nadia will discuss the findings from an evaluation she conducted of a women’s community health program in North Kivu, DRC. In this program evaluation, she used a ‘photovoice’ approach which allowed the participants to take photographs in order to communicate their experiences within the program, and its impact on their individual lives. This program is contributing in a positive way to build solidarity, improve health outcomes, and increase knowledge about women’s rights.

Ryan Hum, PhD Candidate, Chemical Engineering, Center for Global Engineering (CGEN)
Improvements in Global Longevity are not Fairly Distributed
Ryan will explain how the global rise in life expectancy is not benefiting everybody equally. A new empirical model (inspired by biochemistry) shows that child survival is getting cheaper but adult survival is becoming more costly.

SPACE IS LIMITED
SO REGISTER TO RESERVE YOUR SPOT!

The quest to radically improve the value of what we spend on health care is a priority shared by health systems around the globe.

To achieve this, we must look beyond our own backyards for game changing ideas, by expanding our horizon and casting our net across the globe. We can learn from the experience and successes of unexpected sources – those of emerging markets, in which restricted resources have forced populations to innovate on value.

Translating innovations that have been created for the developing world to the industrialized world has been called “reverse innovation”.
By forming new collaborations across borders and disciplines, we can draw lessons that will help generate solutions to address the needs of health systems around the world. It’s about challenging our thinking and the status quo. It’s about exchanging ideas and sharing experience. It’s about new ways of innovating and implementing to improve health care.

Colour Outside the Lines is an open challenge to inspire current and future leaders to become active participants in shaping the transformation of our health care system. We are calling on students, health care professionals, entrepreneurs, IT specialists, patients, development workers and innovators from around the world to generate reverse innovation projects that can address some of Canada’s biggest health challenges and drive transformational change. Colour Outside the Lines is focused on finding innovations that are being successfully applied in the developing world/emerging markets that offer potential solutions to some of the issues facing Canadian health systems.

This challenge invites you to submit a reverse innovation idea that can work as a health care innovation business model in Canada. International and cross-sectoral collaboration is at the heart of this reverse innovation challenge. Colour Outside the Lines encourages you to form a team of innovators from around the globe, and across industry and academic lines, to help strengthen your idea for reverse innovation. Innovation can come from anywhere; so can submissions for this challenge.

About the Challenge

The first place prize will be one $50,000 award. Second and third prizes are $25,000 each. This one-time funding will be used to move the proposed innovation idea forward. Winning submissions will also receive additional support to advance the innovation to a pilot test phase in the Canadian health care system. In addition, all winners will have the opportunity to work with the network of health innovators in residence and council members of the Ivey International Centre for Heath Innovation for mentorship and coaching to support the implementation of their reverse innovation project.

Winners will be announced in September, 2013, and awarded their prizes on November 26, 2013, at the International Centre for Health Innovation’s Global Health Conference. Winners must be present at the Conference to accept their prizes in person and share their reverse innovation with Conference attendees. The Ivey International Centre for Health Innovation will cover the costs of travel and accommodation for winners attending the Conference.

Additional Questions

Please send questions not answered in the FAQ or Challenge documents found on this website to the Ivey International Centre for Health Innovation by email at healthinnovation@ivey.ca. The FAQs will be updated regularly. For more information on the Ivey International Centre for Health Innovation, Twitter (@iveyhealth).

Application information can be found on our facebook page , or our website. Applications are not due until Monday, March 11, 2013, but draft applications can be submitted until February 25, 2013.

There will be an optional information session for interested applicants on Tuesday, February 12, 2013, from 5:30 to 6:30 pm, in room 3163 of the Medical Sciences Building.

If you have any additional questions about the scholarship and application, please do not hesitate to contact Marisa at discoveryfund@utihp.ca.

Juxtaposition is currently in the process of planning University of Toronto’s inaugural undergraduate Global Health Case Competition. Students will have the opportunity to present solutions to contemporary global health issue and have their ideas evaluated by experts in field in a business-style competition.

This is a new initiative we are undertaking for Fall 2013, and we are looking for passionate individuals from ALL disciplines to help out!  If you would like to get involved, please email your cover letter and your resume to juxtaposition.ezine@utoronto.ca.

ALL APPLICATIONS MUST BE EMAILED BY FEB 3RD, 2013, MIDNIGHT.

We are recruiting individuals for the following positions:

Case  Guide Writing Co-Directors - 2 positions

Successful applicants must have research experience in the Global Health field or in another relevant subject matter. They will be required to work with another case writing co-Director and coordinate a research team of six to eight students. Co-Directors are responsible for ensuring that research for the case guide is occurring within a timely manner, the quality of research being done is excellent, and coordinating with the Juxtaposition Strategic Advisor and the Juxtaposition co-Editor in Chiefs to create the final case document. Case Guide Writing Co-Directors must be able to commit 8-10 hours per week (and 12-15 hours during 1-2 months before the competition date) from February to November 2013.

Case Guide Writing Research Team - 6-8 positions

Successful applicants must be academically strong and students from ANY discipline (not just Global Health). They will be required to work with the Case Guide Writing Co-Directors to provide extensive research on the case topic. Political science, Anthropology, Business, Public/Global Health students are strongly encouraged to apply. Previous research experience is an asset, but not required. Research Team members must be able to commit 4-5 hours per week from February to November 2013. Team members can also commit time from February to April 2013, but those able to commit for the full time will be preferred. 

Publicity Co-Directors - 2 positions

Successful applicants must have previous publicity experience on or off-campus and as well must have experience in on-line social media campaigns. They will be on all publicity matters regarding the competition as well as coordinating a publicity team. In addition, they will be coordinating with the Juxtaposition co-Editor in Chiefs to create a PR plan for the conference for implementation. Publicity Co-Directors must be able to commit 4-5 hours per week from February to November 2013. 

Publicity Team - 2-3 positions

Successful applicants will be working with the Publicity Co-Directors to implement a PR plan for the case competition. Team members must be able to commit 2-3 hours per week from February to November 2013. Team members can also commit time from February to April 2013, but those able to commit for the full time will be at an advantage. 

Sponsorship Co-Directors - 2 positions

Successful applicants must have experience in event sponsorship which includes (but is not limited to)– have an in-depth understanding of sponsorship opportunities at the University of Toronto, off-campus sponsors, corporate sponsors, and other independent sponsors. They must also be well-versed in writing grant and funding applications. Co-Directors will also be required to keep track of all spending regarding the case competition. Sponsorship Co-Directors must be able to commit 10-12 hours per week from February to November 2013.

Logistics Co-Directors- 2 positions

Logistics co-Directors will be working closely with the Juxtaposition co-Editor in Chiefs and will be responsible for overseeing all planning related to participant recruitment and team formation, competition rules and logistics, venues, food/catering, technology, and gifts. Successful applicants must have previous event-planning experience at the University of Toronto or off-campus. Logistics co-Directors must be able to commit 8-10 hours per week (and 12-15 hours during 1-2 months before the competition date) from February to November 2013.

By definition, refugees are individuals who have left their country of origin due to persecution. Amongst the cultural, language and financial barriers associated with uprooting life to a new country, refugees now must contend with the cost of medical care. Many Canadians are fortunate enough to be shielded from the cost of primary health care and may not realize that an initial consultation with a family physician in Ontario costs over $70. For a pregnant woman, the first visit with an obstetrician costs over $100. Even disregarding the billings of physicians, there are also the costs of medications which without supplementary support, become unattainable luxuries.

The plan to cut back on refugee spending is estimated to save the government $100 million in the next five years. Last year in Canada, an estimated $22 billion dollars was spent on military expenditure. That is roughly $60 million a day. A study by the Canadian Center for Policy Alternatives reveals that this is the highest the government has spent on the military since the end of World War II. There are doubtlessly a plethora of reasons that can be given for the justification of military spending, and this author is not suggesting that military spending is more or less important than refugee health care. However to place financial resources into perspective, if we funneled the amount of money spent on less than two days of military spending into providing equal health care rights for refugees, we can welcome persecuted newcomers to our country to one of Canada’s most symbolic benefits: universal health care.

Written by Lilly Van

Supplementary Readings

Government of Canada: Interim Federal Health Program

From the Government of Canada, this website gives a summary of benefits that refugees will receive. Certain classes of refugees are still eligible for extended health care coverage such as government-assisted refugees, but those that are resettled refugees, or refugee claimants will only receive minimal health coverage.

http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/refugees/outside/summary-ifhp.asp

The Wellesley Institute: Dealing with the impacts of refugee health cuts

This is an article from the Wellesley Institute with a link to a health equity impact assessment. The article argues that due to these policy changes, the prevalence of chronic conditions amongst the affected refugee populations will increase.

http://www.wellesleyinstitute.com/health-care/dealing-with-the-impacts-of-cuts-to-refugee-health-benefits/

Canadian Doctors for Refugee Health Care

On this website, you can read anecdotal cases of patients being affected by the cuts to refugee health care.

http://www.doctorsforrefugeecare.ca/further-reading-survey.html

The Toronto Star: Ottawa cuts to refugee health care almost costs man his vision

This links to a news story of a man who required surgery to save his vision, but was not covered for it due to his refugee status.

http://www.thestar.com/news/gta/article/1244577–ottawa-cuts-to-refugee-health-care-almost-costs-man-his-vision

Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives: Canadian Military Spending 2010-2011

A look at Canada’s military expenditures.

http://www.policyalternatives.ca/sites/default/files/uploads/publications/National%20Office/2011/03/Canadian%20Military%20Spending%202010.pdf