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Alma Mata: Global Health Network

Alma Mata

Alma Mata Global Health Network is for all interested in global health issues. This online resource collates regular updates on news, events, education and careers related to global health. Additionally we run lectures and conferences showcasing exciting speakers and presenting upcoming and existing opportunities in the global heath arena. There are now over 900 members of the network across the globe and our international conferences in Leeds (2005), Edinburgh (2006) and London (2007) have provided a forum for continuing training and discussion in global health.

 

There already exist excellent active organisations for students and health professionals. Consequently, we do not seek to be an 'active' organisation in campaigning or running global health projects but rather aim to facilitate the development of clearer pathways for postgraduate education and careers. We hope that Alma Mata remains a tool to facilitate change in, and to build capacity for global health by being a reliable, easily accessible source of information and a tool for communication, discussion and a forum for the sharing of research and ideas.

For further information visit:

2005 BMJ Careers Focus Article discussing the creation of Alma Mata

Student BMJ's 2007 interview with Alma Mata's founder Rebecca Hope

 

By popular demand: why Alma Mata?
There may be one question still lurking in your mind: why Alma Mata? Our name is of course a glorious (or terrible) pun. Alma mater is Latin for the student’s former institution of learning, as befits an alumni organisation. In 1978, at Alma Ata, in the former Soviet Union, health advocates and world leaders met, under the auspices of the World Health Organisation, to work towards ‘health for all’ by the year 2000. The route to this was via strong primary and preventive health services across the world. We felt this name suited well the needs of a graduates network committed to global health.

How do I get involved?
The best way to support Alma Mata is by joining as a member which is absolutely free. We are a not-for-profit organisation run entirely by volunteers and we are always looking for people to get involved. We always welcome practical support from members, particularly contributions to our news pages, the news letter and events calendar. See our contact page to find out who to get in touch with. How to contribute to the site
Membership We offer:
  • advice about careers and post-graduate opportunities,
  • a members' forum for debate and communication, and
  • Alma Mata News which compiles recent developments in global health and articles by members.