​

The MDC Global Health Internship Program is a highly selective, 5-week intensive experience designed for ambitious students passionate about global health, public health, medicine, and international development. This individualized program provides exclusive mentorship from MDC experts, hands-on research opportunities, and a structured curriculum to develop critical skills in mortality surveillance, data analysis, and global health leadership.

​​​

Through this program, interns will:
✅ Develop expertise in global health through hands-on projects.
✅ Conduct independent research on mortality surveillance efforts.
✅ Gain experience with public health data collection and analysis.
✅ Learn how to craft and pitch global health initiatives.
✅ Build a standout portfolio for competitive college applications.

​

This program is highly selective, and only a limited number of interns are accepted per cycle. If selected, you will engage in self-driven research and project work, receiving personalized mentorship and practical experience in international health initiatives.

​

​

Program Timeline

​

Week 1: Introduction to Global Health & Mortality Surveillance

📌 Objectives:

• Understand the role of MakeDeathsCount (MDC) in global health.

• Learn about Verbal Autopsy (VA) and its significance in mortality surveillance.

• Conduct a situational analysis on a country’s mortality surveillance system.

📌 Activities & Deliverables:

• Attend an interactive lecture on mortality surveillance.

• Research and select a country to analyze its health data infrastructure.

• Submit a 1-2 page summary on Verbal Autopsy and why it matters.

Week 2: Tools & Methods for Data Collection

📌 Objectives:

• Learn how global health data is collected and analyzed.

• Understand the challenges of public health data collection and propose solutions.

📌 Activities & Deliverables:

• Explore case studies of data collection challenges in global health.

• Conduct an independent research report on potential solutions for these challenges.

• Submit a 1-2 page document on ethical and logistical considerations in data collection.

Week 3: Data Analysis & Public Health Strategy

📌 Objectives:

• Develop basic data analysis skills for interpreting health datasets.

• Learn how to assess the impact of health policies using statistical methods.

📌 Activities & Deliverables:

• Analyze sample global health datasets and extract key insights.

• Create a research report on data-driven decision-making in public health.

• Submit a 1-2 page bioethical analysis on global health interventions.

Week 4: Developing a Global Health Initiative

📌 Objectives:

• Design a public health initiative that improves mortality surveillance.

• Learn how to structure a project pitch for potential stakeholders.

📌 Activities & Deliverables:

• Draft a proposal for a global health initiative based on your research.

• Develop a pitch presentation outlining the problem, proposed solution, and impact.

• Submit a written proposal with research-backed strategies for sustainability.

Week 5: Final Presentation & Pitch Week

📌 Objectives:

• Present your global health initiative to MDC experts.

• Receive personalized feedback to refine your work.

📌 Activities & Deliverables:

• Deliver a final project pitch to MDC mentors.

• Submit a final written report summarizing findings and recommendations.

• Gain a certificate of completion showcasing your expertise.

Who Should Apply?

​

✅ Students interested in global health, medicine, public health, and data science.
✅ Students seeking independent research experience to strengthen their college/graduate school applications.
✅ Future leaders looking to develop skills in project management, data analysis, and public health advocacy.

​

​

​

Program Fee​

​

$300 USD
(covers mentorship, project review, and certificate of completion)