University of Washington

Overview

The PhD in Global Health – Implementation Science at the University of Washington equips researchers with the skills necessary to enhance the delivery, scaling, and evaluation of evidence-based interventions within real-world health systems. This program bridges the gap between implementation science methods and global health priorities, leveraging faculty expertise and research opportunities available in Seattle.

What you'll study

The program emphasizes a research-driven approach, focusing on developing robust methodological skills essential for implementation science and health systems evaluation. Students engage in a combination of doctoral coursework, supervised research activities, and academic development.

Research focus areas

• Health systems modelling: Development and evaluation of simulation and optimization models for human resource allocation in healthcare systems.
• Quality and systems improvement: Analyzing and improving systems for malaria case management in primary health care settings.
• Delivery strategy evaluation: Conducting stepped-wedge trials to assess alternative strategies for preventing mother-to-child transmission of HIV.
• Economic evaluation: Evaluating the cost-effectiveness of partner services for HIV.
• Diagnostics and care performance: Assessing how point-of-care diagnostics impact tuberculosis care system performance.

Doctoral training components

• Implementation science methods: Exploring study design, measurement, and evaluation approaches tailored for real-world settings.
• Health metrics and evaluation: Utilizing data and metrics to evaluate implementation outcomes such as uptake, fidelity, coverage, and impact.
• Scholarly development: Engaging in ongoing research supervision, academic writing, and participation in departmental seminars and research discussions.
• Dissertation: Completing a doctoral dissertation based on original research that aligns with the program’s focus on implementation science and global health priorities.

Entry requirements

Applicants must meet the university's general eligibility criteria for doctoral study and exhibit a strong academic foundation in global health and implementation science. Specific GRE/GMAT and GPA cut-offs are not provided, but a solid academic background is essential for success in this program.

Career prospects

Graduates of the PhD in Global Health – Implementation Science are well-prepared for diverse career paths in academia, research institutions, government agencies, and international organizations. They play a crucial role in shaping health policies, improving health systems, and implementing effective interventions on a global scale.