Integrating Global Medical Outreach into Nurse Practitioner Education
Faculty Department
School of Nursing & Health Sciences
Presentation Type
Powerpoint
Location
H339
Zoom Link
Start Date
26-2-2025 3:40 PM
End Date
26-2-2025 4:00 PM
Description (Abstract)
Abstract
Integrating Global Medical Outreach into Nurse Practitioner Education
Chronic disease management remains a significant challenge in resource-limited countries, underscoring the need for innovative healthcare strategies. Nurse Practitioner program leaders recognize global health learning opportunities as a vital component of nurse practitioner (NP) education, equipping students with the skills and competencies to address health disparities. Strategic academic partnerships foster interdisciplinary collaboration, cultural exchange, and improved cultural competence among students. Global health experiences provide Nurse Practitioner students firsthand exposure to diverse healthcare systems, strengthening their competencies in diversity, equity, inclusion, and ethics. These experiences also enhance students’ ability to address social determinants of health that influence patient outcomes. Molloy University, in collaboration with the University of the West Indies (UWI), conducts a yearly medical outreach program in Jamaica. This initiative offers NP students hands-on clinical experience in assessing, diagnosing, and treating patients with complex comorbidities under faculty and medical preceptor supervision.
Additionally, students engage in reflective assignments and quality improvement initiatives to enhance future outreach efforts and curriculum integration. However, logistical barriers, such as procuring and transporting medical supplies to rural areas, pose significant challenges that require strategic solutions. Recommendations to optimize global health immersion include strengthening institutional partnerships, expanding faculty-led preparatory training to improve student readiness, and integrating global health immersion into NP curricula. By embedding global health experiences into NP education, academic institutions can cultivate culturally competent, socially conscious, and clinically proficient practitioners prepared to meet the evolving demands of healthcare worldwide.
Keywords: global health, nurse practitioner, education
Keywords
global health, nurse practitioner, education
Related Pillar(s)
Community, Service, Study
Integrating Global Medical Outreach into Nurse Practitioner Education
H339
Abstract
Integrating Global Medical Outreach into Nurse Practitioner Education
Chronic disease management remains a significant challenge in resource-limited countries, underscoring the need for innovative healthcare strategies. Nurse Practitioner program leaders recognize global health learning opportunities as a vital component of nurse practitioner (NP) education, equipping students with the skills and competencies to address health disparities. Strategic academic partnerships foster interdisciplinary collaboration, cultural exchange, and improved cultural competence among students. Global health experiences provide Nurse Practitioner students firsthand exposure to diverse healthcare systems, strengthening their competencies in diversity, equity, inclusion, and ethics. These experiences also enhance students’ ability to address social determinants of health that influence patient outcomes. Molloy University, in collaboration with the University of the West Indies (UWI), conducts a yearly medical outreach program in Jamaica. This initiative offers NP students hands-on clinical experience in assessing, diagnosing, and treating patients with complex comorbidities under faculty and medical preceptor supervision.
Additionally, students engage in reflective assignments and quality improvement initiatives to enhance future outreach efforts and curriculum integration. However, logistical barriers, such as procuring and transporting medical supplies to rural areas, pose significant challenges that require strategic solutions. Recommendations to optimize global health immersion include strengthening institutional partnerships, expanding faculty-led preparatory training to improve student readiness, and integrating global health immersion into NP curricula. By embedding global health experiences into NP education, academic institutions can cultivate culturally competent, socially conscious, and clinically proficient practitioners prepared to meet the evolving demands of healthcare worldwide.
Keywords: global health, nurse practitioner, education
Short Biography
Dr Randy Pellew is an Assistant Professor and Family Nurse Practitioner Coordinator in the School of Nursing and Health Sciences at Molloy University, where he is dedicated to shaping the next generation of nurse practitioners. A board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP-BC), Dr Pellew combines his clinical expertise with a passion for education, mentoring undergraduate and graduate students in advanced nursing practice.
With years of experience in family health and primary care, Dr Pellew brings a wealth of knowledge to his teaching, particularly in pathophysiology, pharmacology, and evidence-based practices. Dr Pellew's interests include community health, global outreach, and addressing health disparities. He has participated in various initiatives to improve access to care and advocate for underserved populations. Beyond the classroom, he is actively involved in research and mentorship, helping students achieve their academic and professional goals.
Dr Pellew is deeply committed to Molloy University’s mission of promoting scholarship, service, and community engagement, equipping his students with the skills and compassion necessary to excel as leaders in nursing and healthcare.