College of Medicine’s Global Health Exchange Program earns prestigious award for transformative impact
The Penn State Global Health Exchange Program (GHEP), a pioneering initiative within the College of Medicine’s Department of Public Health Sciences, has been honored with the 2025 Advancing a Global Penn State: Outstanding Program Award. This honor recognizes GHEP for its significant role in global health education and how it transforms the lives of students around the world. The program focuses on developing future leaders in global health through hands-on learning experiences that encourage cultural exchange.
Penn State Global’s Outstanding Program Award recognizes innovative programs at the University that advance the vision of a Global Penn State. This award celebrates a Penn State program that is agile and adaptable, and yet robust enough to be innovative and forward thinking.
A key part of global health education
GHEP has become an essential part of Penn State’s global health studies, blending global insights into classes, research, and hands-on experiences. It offers students a unique opportunity to engage with different cultures and healthcare systems, helping them understand the challenges of global health and inspiring them to become responsible global citizens.
“The students in GHEP show incredible courage,” said Julie Lentes, the program director. “They leave their comfort zones to immerse themselves in new cultures, driven by a genuine aspiration to grasp the world’s diverse health challenges and to make a meaningful contribution to global well-being. Their dedication to this experience truly embodies the spirit of our program.” The impact of GHEP can be seen through the experiences of its students.
In 2016, the Master of Public Health (MPH) Program launched a global health practicum, giving students hands-on international experiences. This program allows them to explore health disparities and the challenges faced by healthcare systems around the world. Students apply the skills and insights they gain from their international experiences to tackle rigorous projects with the help of faculty mentors. These projects illustrate how these global opportunities enhance their understanding of health issues on a broader scale and strengthen their sense of global citizenship.
Preparing future global health leaders through exchange
GHEP aims to create fair learning experiences where students can see healthcare in action and learn how to address its inequalities. The program promotes an intercultural educational experience that equips students to enter the public health and healthcare workforce with a global mindset. GHEP ensures that students not only learn about global health challenges but also contribute to creating sustainable solutions. The success of the program is evident in how the participants leave as informed and compassionate future global health leaders.
N. Benjamin Fredrick, MD, director of the Global Health Center, and Julie Lentes, director of GHEP, at the awards ceremony on April 3.
“Sitting in the audience at the ceremony as Julie received the award reminded me what a stand-out program GHEP is at Penn State for global health,” said Dr. N. Benjamin Fredrick, professor of family and community medicine and director of the Global Health Center. “This program has enriched our medical school campus by bringing together learners from across the globe to interact with our students and faculty. It’s an important opportunity to showcase the great work of our health system and medical school while also learning about international healthcare innovations from them.”
The curriculum also connects Penn State graduate students with a worldwide community, even for those who might not have the chance to travel, helping them develop a global perspective in today’s interconnected world. Additionally, the Global Health Minor and the College of Medicine’s Global Health Center have expanded GHEP’s reach and impact.
Through these partnerships, GHEP has built strong connections with international institutions, providing ongoing engagement beyond active research projects. “We value these partnerships and are committed to fostering relationships that benefit everyone involved,” Lentes added.
Dr. Kristin Sznajder, assistant professor and associate director of international initiatives, initiated and co-founded GHEP in 2016.
“We started the Global Health Exchange Program (GHEP) to create meaningful, equitable global experiences for students and partners alike,” said Sznajder. “It’s been incredible to see GHEP grow into a vital part of Penn State’s global health education, and I’m proud to work with such dedicated colleagues like Dr. Lentes, whose leadership has helped the program thrive.”
Recipients were honored at an awards ceremony on April 3 at the Hintz Family Alumni Center on the University Park campus.
Learn more about the Penn State Global Health Exchange Program and contact Julie Lentes for more information. Read more about the Penn State Advancing a Global Penn State Awards.
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