Dauphin News

The Penn State Global Health Exchange Program (GHEP) has been awarded the 2025 Advancing a Global Penn State: Outstanding Program Award. This recognition honors GHEP's impact on global health education and acknowledges its transformative influence on students worldwide. The program emphasizes experiential learning, encouraging cultural exchange to cultivate future leaders in global health.

The award, part of the Penn State Global's Outstanding Program initiative, celebrates programs that align with the vision of a Global Penn State, showcasing innovation, adaptability, and forward-thinking approaches.

GHEP plays a fundamental role in global health studies at Penn State, integrating global experiences into academic curricula, research, and practical engagements. This initiative helps students engage with diverse cultures and healthcare systems, fostering an understanding of global health challenges and inspiring them to become proactive global citizens.

Julie Lentes, the program director, commented, “The students in GHEP show incredible courage. 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.”

Since its inception in 2016, the Master of Public Health (MPH) program has included a global health practicum, offering students international exposure to health disparities and healthcare challenges. Students apply their skills and insights from these international experiences to rigorous projects with faculty mentors, enhancing their understanding of health issues and strengthening their sense of global citizenship.

The program strives to ensure equitable learning opportunities, allowing students to observe healthcare firsthand and learn to address inequities. It fosters intercultural educational experiences that prepare students for public health and healthcare careers with a global perspective. The program's success is evident as participants leave with insights as future leaders in global health.

Dr. N. Benjamin Fredrick, professor of family and community medicine and director of the Global Health Center, remarked, “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. 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 program also connects Penn State graduate students with a global community, aiding those unable to travel in developing a global perspective. The Global Health Minor and the College of Medicine’s Global Health Center have further extended GHEP's reach and impact.

GHEP has fostered strong ties with international institutions, ensuring ongoing engagement beyond active research projects. Lentes emphasized the value of these partnerships and the commitment to fostering mutually beneficial relationships.

The program was initiated and co-founded by Dr. Kristin Sznajder in 2016. Sznajder stated, “We started the Global Health Exchange Program (GHEP) to create meaningful, equitable global experiences for students and partners alike. 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.”

The award ceremony was held on April 3 at the Hintz Family Alumni Center on the University Park campus.

For further details or information, interested parties can learn more about the Penn State Global Health Exchange Program and contact Julie Lentes. Further information about the Penn State Advancing a Global Penn State Awards is also available.