Home / Executive Short Courses / Empowering Change: Healthcare Equity in Low-Resource Settings

Welcome to “Empowering Change: Healthcare Equity in Low-Resource Settings” a groundbreaking online course from The Australian National University and Canberra Health Services.

Embark on a transformative journey with The Australian National University’s ‘Link’ program and the School of Medicine & Psychology as we introduce two impactful courses designed to empower change in global healthcare.

Professor Dipti Talaulikar. Course Convenor & Link Program Lead

Professor Dipti Talaulikar/Course Convenor & Link Program Lead

Our two-day short online course, meticulously crafted from condensed modules, offers a focused exploration of key elements in healthcare equity, encompassing Population Health Focus, Cultural Influences, Resource Scarcity, and Early Child Health.

For those seeking a more in-depth experience, our full two-week, clinician-led online course rooted in a life course approach extends its exploration from early child health to old age. Additionally, the full course introduces innovative modules on healthcare in disasters and frugal innovation for healthcare in low-resource areas. Join us in the shared mission of creating a more equitable and sustainable future in healthcare. Explore the details of these courses below.

One day options are also available.

Course Overview

Module 1: Population Health: Understanding Healthcare Disparities:

  • Focus on Health Systems and Cultural Influences: Uncover the intricacies of health systems through the lens of the World Health Organization’s Health Systems Framework. Explore the building blocks of health systems, including governance, financing, service delivery, workforce, and information systems. Delve into the impact of cultural norms and beliefs on healthcare-seeking behaviours and learn strategies to promote culturally sensitive and inclusive healthcare services. Resource Scarcity: Unlock innovative strategies to maximise impact with limited resources.

Module 2: Medicine Across the Life Course: Strategies for Empowering Change

  • Embark on a comprehensive exploration of healthcare needs and challenges individuals face regarding ageing health. Gain insights into providing holistic and patient-centred care in low-resource settings. Understand the importance of preventive care, early intervention, and continuity of care in the formative years of early childhood and adolescence.

Note: The two-day course offers condensed Modules versions from the full two-week program.

Full two weeks of immersive online sessions followed by daily case-based learning workshops focussing on three modules:

  • Module 1: Population Health Focus on Health Systems and Cultural Influences: Uncover the intricacies of health systems through the lens of the World Health Organization’s Health Systems Framework. Explore the building blocks of health systems, including governance, financing, service delivery, workforce, and information systems. Understand universal health care principles and their application in low-resource settings. Delve into the impact of cultural norms and beliefs on healthcare-seeking behaviours, and learn strategies to promote culturally sensitive and inclusive healthcare services. Resource Scarcity: Unlock innovative strategies to maximise impact with limited resources.
  • Module 2: Medicine Across the Life Course: Embark on a comprehensive exploration of healthcare needs and challenges individuals face at different life stages. From maternal and child health to geriatric care, gain insights into providing holistic and patient-centred care in low-resource settings. Understand the importance of preventive care, early intervention, and continuity of care across the life course.
  • Module 3: Environment, Health, and System Resilience: Examine the critical nexus between environmental factors, health outcomes, and the resilience of healthcare systems in low-resource settings. Explore the impact of environmental conditions, including climate change, pollution, and resource scarcity, on health and healthcare delivery. Learn about innovative solutions and strategies to build resilient and sustainable healthcare systems, ensuring effective response and adaptation to environmental challenges

Download the full schedule

Registration Options

Two-Day Online Course

Dates TBA

$499 AUD

Registrations Closed

Ideal for those seeking a focused introduction to healthcare equity.

Two-Week Online Course
Dates TBA
$1900 AUD

Comprehensive program for a deep dive into empowering change.

One-Day Sampler

$300 AUD

Enrol for ONLY 1-day for $300 dollars for any date during the full course dates. See full schedule

Note: Should you like to do both the two days and, subsequently, a two-week full course, please get in touch with the course convenor for guidance.

International World Bank students classified as low-income countries are eligible for subsidised course fees. Please contact: international.health@anu.edu.au

Key Course Features

  • Clinician-led Instruction: Learn from experienced professionals dedicated to driving change.
  • Global Impact: Connect with a diverse community committed to healthcare equity worldwide.
  • Practical Learning: Gain actionable skills through hands-on experiences.
  • Networking Opportunities: Build valuable connections with like-minded individuals.

Join the ranks of those who have ignited change through our program.

Who should take the course?

This clinician-led online course is suitable for a wide range of people. Undergraduate students with at least 1 year of tertiary study and professionals from healthcare and non-healthcare backgrounds interested in how healthcare is delivered in resource-limited settings will benefit from the course. The course content and learning outcomes are tailored to meet the needs and aspirations of participants passionate about healthcare equity and addressing the challenges underserved populations face.

Pre-Medical and Health Science Students

Undergraduate students pursuing pre-medical or health science programs will find this course relevant to their academic and career goals. It offers a unique opportunity to gain insights into the realities of healthcare delivery in low-resource settings and develop a deep understanding of the social determinants of health, health system issues, and healthcare disparities.

Global Health Enthusiasts

Students and professionals interested in global health and a desire to positively impact on a global scale will find this course valuable. It provides a comprehensive understanding of the challenges faced by healthcare systems in low-resource settings. It equips participants with the knowledge and skills to contribute to sustainable and equitable healthcare solutions.

Public Health and Epidemiology Students

Undergraduate students studying public health or epidemiology will find this course beneficial in expanding their understanding of healthcare equity and its implications for population health. It offers insights into the social, economic, and political factors contributing to health disparities and provides a foundation for addressing these challenges through evidence-based strategies.

Social Science and Humanities Students and Professionals

Students and professionals with a background in social sciences or humanities interested in the intersection of healthcare, culture, and social justice will find this course compelling. It explores the influence of cultural norms, social determinants, and systemic factors on healthcare-seeking behaviours and health outcomes, fostering a holistic understanding of healthcare equity.

Healthcare Professionals

Healthcare professionals in the workforce or training, such as nurses, physicians, and allied health practitioners, will benefit from this course by gaining a broader perspective on healthcare delivery and an understanding of the challenges faced in low-resource settings. It will equip participants with the knowledge and skills to provide culturally sensitive and equitable care to diverse populations.

Requisite Knowledge

No specific prior knowledge is assumed, but participants must have completed at least one year of tertiary study in any discipline. The course is open to participants in Australia and internationally.

Teaching Staff

  • Professor Dipti Talaulikar: Course convenor: School of Medicine and Psychology, Australian National University).
  • Dr Danish Ahmad (Module Lead: School of Medicine and Psychology, Australian National University)
  • Module leads are comprised of leading Australian and international clinicians.
  • There will also be a range of guest lectures. 

Assessment

Each assessment task addresses all learning outcomes. Assessment takes three forms:

  • Participation in blog post reflections
  • Group work during workshops
  • Take home short answers and MCQ-based exams.

Participation certificates will be awarded to those who still need to complete the exams. Those who complete the course will get a completion certificate.

Is the course for credit at ANU?

Completing this professional short course does not provide ANU course credit or an ANU transcript.

Course Outcome

Using the knowledge and skills gained from this course, participants will be equipped to significantly impact various job roles and industries, advancing their careers in healthcare in low-resource settings. Here is an outline of how course participants can potentially apply their newfound expertise:

Enhanced Cultural Competence

  • Job Titles: Global Health Program Manager, Community Health Worker, International Health Consultant
  • Industries: Nonprofit Organisations, NGOs, Global Health Initiatives
  • Application: Apply cultural sensitivity and understanding of local norms to develop culturally appropriate healthcare programs, facilitate community engagement, and promote health-seeking behaviours in diverse populations.

Health Systems Strengthening

  • Job Titles: Health Policy Analyst, Healthcare Project Manager, Health Systems Consultant
  • Industries: Government Agencies, Health Ministries, International Development Organizations
  • Application: Utilise knowledge of the World Health Organization’s Health Systems Framework to assess, design, and implement strategies for strengthening health systems, improving governance, financing, service delivery, and information systems in low-resource settings.

Community Health and Outreach

  • Job Titles: Community Health Coordinator, Health Educator, Public Health Officer
  • Industries: Public Health Departments, Community Health Centers, Health Education Programs
  • Application: Implement evidence-based interventions to address community health needs, design and deliver culturally appropriate health education programs, and establish community partnerships to promote preventive care and enhance access to healthcare services.

Sustainable Healthcare Solutions

  • Job Titles: Environmental Health Specialist, Sustainability Officer, Disaster Response Coordinator
  • Industries: Environmental Health Organizations, Public Health Agencies, Humanitarian Aid Organizations
  • Application: Apply knowledge of environmental factors and their impact on health outcomes to develop sustainable healthcare solutions, design disaster preparedness plans, and implement innovative strategies for resource conservation and environmental health protection.

Research and Policy Development

  • Job Titles: Health Research Analyst, Policy Advisor, Global Health Researcher
  • Industries: Research Institutes, Think Tanks, Health Policy Organizations
  • Application: Conduct research on healthcare challenges in low-resource settings, contribute to evidence-based policy development, and advocate for equitable healthcare policies and interventions to improve health outcomes in underserved populations.

By leveraging the knowledge and skills gained from this course, participants will be well-prepared to excel in these roles and industries, driving positive change and addressing healthcare delivery challenges in low-resource settings.

Join us in making a difference. Empower yourself to empower change.

For enquiries, please contact international.health@anu.edu.au Secure your spot today. Registration is open, and early bird pricing is available for a limited time. Take the first step towards transforming healthcare.