Sierra Leone: Project DIAMOND - Delivery of Infrastructural Advancements for Maternal Outcomes through National Development
Mentors: Anjan Saha, MD, PhD (aks9032@nyp.org) and Samba Jalloh, MBChB
Department of Anesthesiology - Advisory and Mentorship Team: Ruth Landau, MD, Richard Raker, MD, and Charles Emala, Sr. MD, MS
F.L.I.G.H.T. Board of Directors: Rebekah Boyd, MD, Charles Emala, Jr., Mitra Nair, MS, and Anjan Saha, MD, PhD
Current Student: Isabel Fan, Dual MD/MPH degrees
Research opportunities available at this site:
Summer Research Projects, Scholarly Projects, and Research Year
Thematic Research Areas at this site:
Access to healthcare, Health Systems and Health Governance, Non-communicable Diseases, Education, Maternal and Child Health, and Healthcare Supply Chains
Global Pop funds students from the following CUIMC Schools at this site:
VP&S & MSPH
Language requirement:
No
Preferred Experience in:
Global Health, Public Health, Public Policy
This project may be attractive in particular to students interested in pursuing training in Anesthesiology, Surgery, OBGYN, or Radiology
Potential activities that could be carried out by students at this site:
Data collection (qualitative and quantitative), data analysis (qualitative and quantitative), program monitoring and evaluation, formulation of recommendations/policy guidance, development of educational materials, engagement with Ministry of Health and Sanitation, engagement with Sierra Leone Medical and Dental Association, and non-profit development
Other requirements or information:
After completing their summer research projects, students will have the opportunity to become a member of F.L.I.G.H.T.
Sierra Leone Travel Guide
About Projects with Dr. Saha
Project Title: Project DIAMOND
Project Information: Project DIAMOND was developed from a collaboration between the Department of Anesthesiology at Columbia University and the non-profit organization, the Foundation for the Localization and Innovation of Global Health Technologies (F.L.I.G.H.T.). Project DIAMOND involves conducting iterative needs assessments that can inform the Sierra Leonean Ministry of Health and Sanitation (MoHS) in their efforts to improve training, infrastructure, clinical operations, and equipment supply chains devoted to maternal care. Project DIAMOND will also aid the MoHS in procuring resources that are highest priority. Project DIAMOND will also involve non-profit development activities.
Student Participation: Remote, Hybrid, and In-person opportunities
Student Project Activities:
1) Qualitative and quantitative analysis of iterative needs assessments.
2) Engaging with Ministry of Health and Sanitation to advise on results of iterative needs assessments.
3) Site visit to Sierra Leone to engage with local stakeholders.
4) Opportunities to present this work at conferences, both nationally and internationally.
5) Opportunities to get involved with non-profit development (can detail this over a Zoom/phone call).
6) Opportunities to work with medical students at Michigan Medicine, where this project was born.
Number of Students: Up to 3