International Collaborations
The University of Illinois at Chicago Department of Medicine is committed to advancing educational, teaching and research activities in underserved populations domestically and globally. The Division of Infectious Diseases has a strong focus on public health with the underlying goal of addressing and eliminating health disparities in underserved communities worldwide, with projects in India, Dominican Republic, Nepal and West Africa.
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Dr. Andrew Trotter, Associate Professor of Clinical Medicine in the UIC Division of Infectious Disease, is leading a collaboration between the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) Division of Infectious Disease and Patan Academy of Health Sciences (PAHS) located in Patan, Nepal. Dr. Trotter is partnering with Professor Dr. Janak Koirala, Professor in Internal Medicine at PAHS to support a PAHS fellowship in clinical infectious disease for Nepali physicians, based at PAHS, the first program of its kind in the country.
Dr Trotter was involved in curricular development of this program and is currently teaching and training PAHS fellows and supporting educational and research programs. There are plans for faculty and trainee/student exchange, research collaborations and other activities to strengthen infectious disease training and infrastructure. Dr. Trotter traveled to Nepal in March 2024 with Dr Novak and Dr Brito, to visit PAHS and take part in meetings with leadership and academic activities.
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Patan Academy of Health Sciences (PAHS) Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Rajesh Nath Gongal and University of Illinois College of Medicine Associate Professor of Clinical Medicine Dr Andrew Trotter exchange the signed Memorandum of Agreement between University of Illinois College of Medicine (UIC) and Patan Academy of Health Science (PAHS) in Patan, Nepal in March 2024. Left to Right: PAHS Registrar Professor Dr. Paras Kumar Acharya, Professor Dr. Rajesh Nath Gongal, Dr. Andrew Trotter, UIC Infectious Disease Division Chief and Henry Dowling Professor of Medicine Dr Richard Novak, UIC Professor of Medicine Dr Maximo Brito.
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Meeting between University of Illinois College of Medicine faculty and Patan Academy of Health Sciences (PAHS) leadership in Patan, Nepal in March 2024.
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UIC Associate Professor of Clinical Medicine Dr. Andrew Trotter presenting to Patan Academy of Health Sciences faculty and staff about antimicrobial drug resistance and strategies to address AMR.
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UIC Associate Professor of Clinical Medicine Dr. Andrew Trotter presenting to Patan Academy of Health Sciences faculty and staff about antimicrobial drug resistance and strategies to address AMR.
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Since 2004, the Dominican Republic has served as a site for education and research activities through partnerships with local higher education institutions, medical schools and hospitals. Our partners include INTEC University, Iberoamericana University, Salvador B Gautier Hospital, Plaza de la Salud Hospital and Robert Reid Cabral Hospital, among others. The University of Illinois at Chicago offers an international elective for residents and fellows that has been a cornerstone of educational exchange for over 15 years. Led by Dr. Max Brito, this program facilitates a robust collaboration between the U.S. and the Dominican Republic, allowing trainees from both countries to gain valuable experience and exposure. Participants engage in a dynamic environment where they can contribute to and benefit from research, teaching, and the practical aspects of global health and tropical medicine. This initiative not only enriches the participants’ medical education but also fosters mutual understanding and cooperation between the two nations, strengthening the global health community through shared knowledge and skills.
Alfredo J Mena Lora MD FIDSA collaborates with infectious disease colleagues in the Dominican Republic on research projects focusing on the antimicrobial use and antimicrobial resistance. His partnership has yielded a series of research projects whose results have been showcased at conferences such as IDWeek or SHEA Spring, as well as in various journals. These studies highlight the patterns and consequences of antimicrobial use practices in the Dominican Republic, contributing vital data to inform health policies in low-and-middle income countries.