ABC’s For Global Health is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization (NGO) dedicated to finding sustainable practical solutions to health problems in the Philippines such as prevalent chronic diseases. 

 

Program Description:

The ABC’s for Global Health Summer Global Health Immersion Program is a comprehensive, 4-week program based in Pampanga, Philippines designed to provide participants with an in-depth understanding of the Philippine health system, community medicine, public health principles, global health issues, research methodologies, and cultural knowledge. It targets high school, college, medical, and post-graduate students and professionals who are interested in exploring careers in healthcare, global health, and community development. The program combines clinical skills workshops, hands-on patient care experience, and interactive lectures to foster both theoretical and practical knowledge. Participants will engage in community-based projects and gain firsthand experience in a multicultural and multidisciplinary healthcare setting. Students have the opportunity to gain over 150 community service hours throughout the course of the trip (subject to their school's community service regulations and conditions). 

This year, our trip will run from June 11th - July 11th. 

 

Program Objectives:

• Support Student Learning:
  Mentors actively guide undergraduate and medical students through hands-on clinical work and research activities. This includes helping them frame research questions, collect and analyze data, and prepare their final presentation. Some groups may continue past the month to pursue publication.

• Strengthen Global Health Skills:
  Mentors participate in ABC’s mobile clinics, assisting with patient registration, vitals, and pharmacy while modeling clinical professionalism for students. They also gain exposure to public and global health principles in low-resource settings.

• Lead Research Mentorship:
  Mentors oversee ongoing and upcoming research projects in collaboration with ABCs and participating students. They support students throughout the research process—methodology, analysis, interpretation—and help them develop strong scientific communication skills.

• Develop Leadership & Critical Thinking:
  The program emphasizes leadership, ethical decision-making, and reflective practice—skills essential for mentors guiding student teams and working with vulnerable populations.

• Build Community Connections:
  Mentors collaborate closely with Filipino medical students, ABC’s clinical leads, and patients across diverse demographics. Sessions and clinical skills workshops are taught by Filipino medical students and our program leads: 
  - Dr. Julieta Gabiola (M.D., Stanford University)
  - Dr. Arthur Gallo (M.D., University of the Philippines).

 

Eligible applicants:
College students, medical students, and postgraduate scholars worldwide who are interested in mentoring and community health. The program uses rolling admissions, and every applicant must complete a 20–30 minute online interview with Dr. Gabiola.

Final deadline for all applications and interviews is December 31st, 2025. 

 

Visit our official website for additional details.
Instagram: @friendsforphilippines
Questions? Email julieta@abcsforglobalhealth.or