Certificate in Tropical Medicine receives approval, will accept applications for Fall 2016

Vector-Borne Diseases Research: University of Yaounde 1, Cameroon

Tropical Medicine students perform vector-borne diseases research at University of Yaounde 1, Cameroon.

A new Graduate Certificate in Tropical Medicine has been approved by the University of Hawaii and will begin accepting its first students in Fall 2016.  The certificate program, based in the Dept. of Tropical Medicine, Medical Microbiology, and Pharmacology at John A Burns School of Medicine, will provide students with the knowledge and skills needed to successfully pursue a career in clinical tropical infectious diseases or non-clinical allied health careers that require a background in tropical infectious diseases.  The certificate program complements the MS and PhD programs in Tropical Medicine already offered by the department.

The one-year certificate program will provide training in infectious diseases including bacteriology, mycology, virology, parasitology, immunology, and laboratory diagnosis and methodology. In addition to coursework, students will participate in a seminar on infectious diseases and will complete a capstone project related to their area of interest within the field of tropical infectious diseases. For clinical professionals, the curriculum is designed to cover all required core topics for national certification by the American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene (ASTMH).

Aedes mosquitos serve as vectors to spread dengue, chikungunya, and Zika viruses.

Aedes mosquitos serve as vectors to spread dengue, chikungunya, and Zika viruses.

The Tropical Medicine Graduate Certificate Program provides an opportunity for health care professionals working in the community to obtain critical training in emerging infectious diseases that have the potential to be introduced in Hawai’i and the rest of the United States. Upon learning of approval of the certificate program, Dr. Vivek Nerurkar, Chair of the Dept. of Tropical Medicine, Medical Microbiology & Pharmacology remarked that “the 21st century has experienced resurgence of once dormant pathogens and diseases, challenging old paradigms and demanding advanced knowledge in combating deadly infectious diseases ravaging mankind,”  noting that “the UHM-Tropical Medicine Graduate Certificate will further enhance understanding of our health professionals and students in combating these deadly infectious diseases.”

To be eligible, an applicant needs to possess a bachelor’s degree from an accredited US college or university, or an equivalent degree from a recognized non-US institution of higher education. Students electing to pursue the clinical track for this program will need to possess a professional health sciences degree (MD, DVM, PharmD, DO, or Bachelor of Nursing). Potential applicants are advised to contact the following individuals for more information: William Gosnell, Certificate Program Director (gosnell@hawaii.edu) and Sandra Chang, Graduate Program Chair (sandrac@hawaii.edu).