By Juliana Restivo
Call for International Health Economics Association Conference Volunteer Opportunity (paid opportunity)
Revolutions in the Economics of Health Systems Conference
More information about the IHEA here: https://healtheconomics.site-ym.com/page/BostonCongress2017
***Exciting Opportunity****
*Short term employment opportunity to work as an International Conference Monitor for International Health Economics Association 2017 World Congress,
being hosted by Boston University (6-11 July, Charles River Campus)
* Tasks include: facilitate conference registration; assist conference delegates; manage organization of conference sessions
* Qualifications: current BU student; ability to think outside the box, strong communication and people skills, dependable
* $18/hour—options for P/T and F/T (up to 40 hours/week)
* Option to attend conference sessions and events when not actively working
* Learn more about the Congress: https://healtheconomics.site-ym.com/page/BostonCongress2017
Please send brief interest in position and CV to: Lisa Koppelman; elisakop@bu.edu
Even if you choose not to attend or work at this conference, student memberships in iHEA (another line on your CV) cost $70 for two years.
BU Arts Initiative – $3000 grant for graduate research related to the arts!
Deadline 4/14
The BU Arts Initiative and the Associate Provost for Graduate Affairs are pleased to offer grants of up to $3000 for graduate research related to the arts. The research may be traditional research of the arts (e.g., musicology, art history, study of performance or literature of any kind), practice based research, or research from any discipline on the impact of the arts (neurology, social work, public health, education). Recipients must present at the 2018 Graduate Research Symposium. Applications are due April 14th.
Digital Health Data Visualization intern with Pathfinder
Are you someone who enjoys data analysis, dashboard creation and data visualization? Are you interested in learning more about how to leverage technology as a tool to provide support to vulnerable populations, to promote health consciousness and strengthen the quality of health services? Are you excited by the opportunity to work alongside global leaders in sexual and reproductive rights?
If so, I would encourage you to apply to the Digital Health Data Visualization intern position posted by Pathfinder International (position details attached). The intern will support the development of data dashboards for digital health programs focused on family planning/contraception and abortion in Mozambique and Tanzania and will work closely with Carey Finchem (Digital Health Coordinator and BUSPH alum) for 10-15 hours/week for 6 weeks. Interested applicants should submit a resume and cover letter to Carey at cfinchem@pathfinder.org.
Although there is no deadline for submissions, those interested in being considered for the position are encouraged to submit their applications soon!
Pilot Study of a Culturally-adapted Substance Abuse Screening Tool in Youth in Liberia – Internship
Pilot Study of a Culturally-adapted Substance Abuse Screening Tool in Youth in Liberia
Anticipated Start Date: Fall 2017
Time commitment: ~2 months in-country (Liberia). May also require ~5-10 hrs/week for study preparations prior to travel
Faculty Supervisor: Dr. Christina Borba and Veronica Faller
In the mid-2000s, researchers from BU (who worked at MGH at the time) worked with the government of Liberia and the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare to create and sign into law the country’s first national mental health policy. In order to inform the development of this policy, researchers conducted a series of qualitative studies to begin understanding the landscape of mental health burden in the country. As part of these needs assessments, researchers found that while substance use and abuse was widespread among adolescents, existing substance use/abuse assessment tools were not culturally appropriate, as there is a spectrum of substance terminologies that are unique to this cultural setting. Researchers recently revised an existing substance use survey that was previously used in Liberia to be more culturally appropriate. The current research project, while early in its development, will be to pilot test this revised substance abuse assessment in in-school adolescents in Monrovia, Liberia. The Practicum student may have the opportunity to travel to Liberia for approximately 1.5-2 months to help conduct this pilot study, including recruitment, data collection and upon return to the U.S., data analysis. Depending on the progress with this project and when the student is able to join the project team, the student may also be involved in obtaining IRB approval and operationalizing the study. We encourage interested students to see external funding, such as from Santander, but there may be funding available for the student’s flight and housing. This practicum opportunity is available starting in late spring 2017 through fall 2017. Interested applicants should submit a resume and cover letter via email to Claire Oppenheim, Research Program Manager for Dept. of Psychiatry at Claire.Oppenheim@bmc.org. Please indicate the specific practicum opportunity for which you are applying in your application email.
*Please note that this Practicum opportunity is early in its development and may undergo significant methodological changes over the summer 2017.
LGBT Mental Health in India – Internship opportunity
LGBT Mental Health in India
Anticipated Start Date: Summer/Fall 2017
Time commitment: 10-20 hours/week, but flexible
Faculty Supervisor: Dr. Neeral Sheth
People who identify as LGBT are at greater risk for many mental health disorders and suicide. In India, where homosexuality remains illegal, many are forced to keep their identities a secret, making it difficult to collect data regarding suicide risk, risk factors, and protective factors. However, with increased use of the internet and social networking, many LGBT Indians are anonymously able to explore their identities online. We plan to conduct a qualitative and quantitative study with LGBT Indians, focusing on understanding suicide risk, protective factors and barriers to mental health treatment. We plan to recruit participants via social media and online communities where individuals are able to explore their gender and sexual identities while still remaining anonymous. We plan to use internet-based, qualitative and quantitative surveys to collect descriptive information and screen for depression, suicidality, risk factors, barriers to mental health treatment, etc...
This project is early in its conceptualization. As such, the Practicum student’s role may depend upon the project’s progression and when the student is able to join the project team. The student’s anticipated role may range from protocol development and implementation, to active data collection, to data analysis and preparation of findings for publication. While weekly time commitment is flexible, this practicum opportunity will likely require about 10-20 hours per week. This practicum opportunity is available starting in late spring 2017 through the fall semester 2017. Interested applicants should submit a resume and cover letter via email to Claire Oppenheim, Research Program Manager for Dept. of Psychiatry at Claire.Oppenheim@bmc.org. Please indicate the specific practicum opportunity for which you are applying in your application email.
Experience of Microaggressions in Communities of Color and its Effect on Mental Health, BMC Dept. of Psychiatry
Experience of Microaggressions in Communities of Color and its Effect on Mental Health, BMC Dept. of Psychiatry
Anticipated Start Date: Summer/Fall 2017
Time commitment: between 10-20hrs/week, but may be flexible
Faculty Supervisor/s: Dr. Brandon Newsome and Dr. Pedro Fernandez
Boston is home to a multicultural population, each of which has created their own thriving and robust communities. The Roxbury, Mattapan, and Dorchester communities are historically noted to have a majority of individuals who self-identify as black. It is well documented that African Americans have poorer health outcomes when compared to their white counterparts with regard to both physical and mental health conditions. However, there is a smaller body of evidence on the effect of microaggressions and racial discrimination on mental health outcomes. This project is in its first phase where we will be performing a needs assessment was to better understand the landscape of mental health needs and barriers to care in this community. The goal is the development of community-specific mental health resources and interventions. The student would assist with conducting qualitative and quantitative interviews and assessments in-person and over the phone. In addition, the student would help with literature reviews, quantitative and qualitative data analysis, manuscript drafting, and IRB submissions. Previous coursework and/or experience with quantitative and qualitative methods preferred. Interested applicants should submit a resume and cover letter to Claire Oppenheim, Research Program Manager for Dept. of Psychiatry at Claire.Oppenheim@bmc.org.
Social Media Practicum Opportunity in Cape Town, South Africa for Summer 2017
Are you expert in the use of social media, making web pages and writing news stories and updates? If you are, the University of the Western Cape (UWC) Pharmaceuticals program needs you this summer.
The Pharmaceuticals program at UWC presents short courses in July on Rational Use of Medicines and on Supply Chain Management as well as Online Distance Learning courses on the same topics for the MPH program. In addition, multiple research projects in the region are undertaken by Masters and PhD students. Finally faculty and staff from the School support a Center of Excellence in Rwanda develop a distance learning program in Health Supply Chain Management. For more information about the Pharmaceutical Public Health program go to https://www.uwc.ac.za/Faculties/CHS/soph/Pages/PHARMACEUTICAL-PUBLIC-HEALTH.aspx
In the past students, from BUSPH Global Health have spent their summer practicum helping with the short courses, visiting primary health care centers and participating in other Pharmaceutical Track activities. See http://www.bu.edu/sph/2016/07/18/learning-by-assistant-teaching-in-south-africa/
This year they need someone to help them develop their social media presence and to build contacts with past alumnae across sub-Saharan Africa. While being involved in the pharmaceutical certificate at BUSPH would be an advantage having expertise in social media is the most important qualification.
If you are interested please see or contact Professor Richard Laing (richardl@bu.edu) Tel 617 435 7860 who has just returned from South Africa. Financial support for travel and local accommodation may be available
International Consortium for Health Outcomes Measurement – Benchmarking Associate position available
International Consortium for Health Outcomes Measurement
Job Title
Benchmarking Associate
Background
ICHOM is a non-profit organization committed to transforming health care to a value-based system through universal measurement and reporting of patient outcomes. ICHOM was co-founded in November, 2012 by Professor Michael Porter of Harvard Business School, the Boston Consulting Group, and the Karolinska Institutet in Sweden (visit www.ichom.org for further background).
One of ICHOM’s primary activities is the development of global Standard Sets by medical condition. Standard Sets are the most essential outcomes that all providers should collect, along with an essential set of baseline patient characteristics for risk adjustment. To develop these standards, ICHOM brings together Working Groups composed of clinical leaders, registry leaders, and patients and leads them through a structured, consensus-driven process.
We believe measurement and reporting of ICHOM Standard Sets will:
- Help patients better choose the right treatments and providers for their needs
- Enable providers to benchmark and compare how well they are meeting the needs of their patients compared to their peers
- Allow payors to contract on the value of care delivered, not simply volume
In addition to developing Standard Sets, ICHOM helps organizations to implement and measure outcomes in their clinical practice. This involves collaboration with technology companies to improve the electronic data capture of our Sets and capability-building with providers to help them adapt clinic workflow to both collect and act on outcomes data.
In 2016, ICHOM launched its global outcomes benchmarking program, which builds on its standardization and implementation work to pool outcomes data across international institutions. We believe global outcomes benchmarks will set the stage for more rapid learning and improvement.
We are seeking an Associate who is interested to contribute meaningfully to ICHOM’s progress across this strategic agenda with a focus on Benchmarking.
Duties and Responsibilities
The Associate will work directly with ICHOM’s VP of Strategy and New Program Development, as well as a number of the organizations Project Leaders, in a flexible role that will focus on Benchmarking but, at times, will span the three functional areas at ICHOM. Across these responsibilities, the Associate is expected to be pro-active, solution-oriented, and focused on contributing to the success of the team.
ichomteam@ichom.org І www.ichom.org І Incorporated in Delaware, United States of America US: Registered 501(c)(3) organization. EIN: 46-0854621 І Head office: 14 Arrow Street, Suite 11 І Cambridge, MA 02138 UK: Registered Company FC03211. І Registered address: Regus І 1 Eversholt Street І London, NW1 2DN
Specific Benchmarking responsibilities:
- Manage day to day interactions with clinicians and project managers from multiple hospital sites who are participating in our GLOBE benchmarking pilot
- Prepare for an facilitate meetings with participants to ensure they are on boarded to the pilot smoothly and remain well informed of all updates and requirements over the course of the pilot
- Develop content (PPT presentations, Data files, etc) to push the pilot forward.
- Work hand in hand with our data partner, ICON, to monitor pilot site data submission
- Work closely with ICHOM Project Leaders and Directors to develop the final benchmarking reports to be provided to pilot participants. (Note: This will be an opportunity to dive deep on the content will provide a very rich learning experience on both a specific medical condition and outcomes measurement comparison between hospitals)
Qualifications
An interest in health policy and issues in the current health care system, along with a strong passion for working in a very hands on way improve health care delivery models is essential. Experience in project management and relationship management will be viewed very positively. Completion or near completion of an undergraduate degree is essential. Applicants looking to work for 1-2 years between their undergraduate and post-secondary education are strongly encouraged.
The successful candidate will demonstrate strong conceptual ability; high quality of mind; excellent writing and manuscript editing skills; the ability to work productively under time pressure; ability to manage multiple projects concurrently; ability to interact successfully with senior leaders; the capacity to work well with others and independently; strong computer skills including, but not limited to, Microsoft PowerPoint and Excel, Adobe Illustrator and InDesign; and comfort in an academic environment. Fluency in English as a primary written and spoken language is required.
Time Commitment and Compensation
This position is full time (around 50 hours per week) and will be paid a salary of $33,000.
Timeline
The position will begin as soon as possible.
Application Procedure
Interested candidates should send a CV/Resume and a cover letter to Sarah Tonn at s.tonn@ichom.org. Applications are received on a rolling basis with the final deadline due by Wednesday, March 15th so early submission is encouraged.
The HIV epidemic in Russia- and the difference academic international collaboration can make
Global Health Session with Dr. Robert Heimer at BMC.
Jeffrey Samet, chief of the Section of General Internal Medicine, will host Prof. Heimer as the inaugural Clinical Addiction Research and Education (CARE) Unit Visiting Professor
“The HIV epidemic in Russia- and the difference academic international collaboration can make”
Wednesday, March 15th, 9:00-10:00 AM, second floor of 801 Massachusetts Ave (Crosstown Building), Room TBD.
The session will discuss Dr. Heimer’s projects in Russia and their implications for affected people, engaging the audience in considerations on how Russia can control the HIV epidemic in the given country context. I am hoping that you will join us as discussants to explore the question of what difference academic international collaborations can make in Russia’s HIV epidemic.
Contact Rich Feeley for more information
