Interprofessional Global & Public Health Society

The Interprofessional Global & Public Health Society (IGPHS) is a diverse organization; including students from the Texas A&M Health Science Center Colleges of Medicine, Nursing, Dentistry, Pharmacy, and the School of Public Health; as well as undergraduates interested in the health field at Texas A&M University. Established as an interest group in 2016, at the Texas A&M College of Medicine, this newly-revamped organization strives to include people from all areas of higher education and to equip them with invaluable learning tools applicable to public health and global health initiatives. This opportunity for interprofessionalism and networking makes IGPHS unique from most student organizations on campus. Throughout the school year, we venture on medical and health mission trips, both locally and internationally, where basic healthcare services are provided to underserved populations in developing countries and marginalized communities. Prior to any outreach event, the professional student representatives of IGPHS host multiple training sessions in which fundamental screening procedures and public health skills are taught to graduate and undergraduate members. No experience is required. This provides aspiring healthcare professionals with substantial learning and mentoring opportunities to prepare for health initiatives across all boundaries. To emphasize interprofessionality, we also host meetings involving guest speakers, with academic and/or clinical backgrounds, in global and public health. Additionally, an abundance of community outreach and fundraising opportunities is available for members of IGPHS. Through philanthropy and humanitarian efforts, members will become enriched and empowered to cultivate their roles as future servant leaders. Health care is one of the most fundamental needs of a human being. When people do not have access to these services or related resources, health complications become more predominant and the overall quality of life is reduced. Here at IGPHS, we see the value of every person's life; we strive to be a catalyst for positive change by bridging the current gaps between healthcare and populations who need it. The mission of IGPHS is to improve health, to ensure survival, and to enable the well-being of vulnerable populations through empathetic and transformative actions that connect health care services to medically underserved and impoverished communities across local, national, and international boundaries. Together, as a society, we have the power and potential to make a difference in the lives of others by working collaboratively towards improving population health.