Caring for the World: A Guidebook to Global Health Opportunities

I am a lawyer practicing intellectual property litigation with a particular emphasis on complex patent disputes in the pharmaceutical and information technology industries.

My background is in English literature, having obtained an Hons. BA (Specialist) in the subject from the University of Toronto.

I am also bilungual, and obtained a minor in French language from the University of Toronto.

Caring for the World is a resource book for people interested in pursuing a global health experience.

The book can be divided roughly into three parts: a list of contact information and resources sandwiched between two narrative sections.

The authors begin the first narrative section by setting out a brief history of global health initiatives and identifying those challenges that have been the focus of global health efforts, such as HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria, maternal and child health, etc.

The authors lead the reader through the steps of identifying an appropriate experience, preparing for it, and undertaking it. Specifically, the authors provide case studies of individuals who have taken on different types of global health experiences, and describe how the reader might identify his or her own goals.

The middle section of the book lists specific opportunities including courses, seminars, and conferences; governmental and non-governmental organizations; educational institutions with programs emphasizing global health; and sources of funding.

The final section of the book provides concrete advice on trip planning and preparation, including advice from five global health experts.

This is not a book that provides substantive information about specific global health initiatives. In fact, the background information is somewhat cursory. The book seems to be more of a how-to for a person interested in pursuing a global health initiative. Specifically, the narrative sections seem to be geared to an individual just starting a career or establishing an interest in the global health field. For that reader, this book would be a useful resource.

Someone with more experience might find the narrative, and the case studies in particular, not very helpful or relevant. However, the middle section, which lists specific opportunities and funding sources, would be useful for all levels of global health enthusiasts: it appears to be quite comprehensive—a very valuable resource.