Yale Global Health Students United for Regional and Global Education (YGH SURGE)

About Us

YGH SURGE is a student-led, interactive online global health education program for professional students of various disciplines who gather to discuss pertinent global health topics. SURGE was founded as a pilot program in 2020 by Yale medical students Hanya Qureshi and Autumn Nobles, in collaboration with the Yale School of Medicine Office of Global Health Education (YSM OGHE), to foster international and interdisciplinary connection during the COVID-19 pandemic. SURGE has since expanded to an annual program that highlights a new theme in global health each year. Since its founding, SURGE has brought together over 230 participants from over 27 countries, 40 institutions and from multiple disciplines, while maintaining strong connections with former participants who serve as alumni advisors to provide mentorship. Today, SURGE strives to form sustainable partnerships and foster the next generation of global health leaders and advocates.

Annual SURGE Themes

2020 – The Impact of COVID-19 on Global Health
2021 – Rights and Their Violations
2022 – Structural Violence and Inequities
2023 – Global Health & The Environment
2024 – The Role of AI in Global Health
2025 – Conflict and Collaboration

Mission and Objectives

To promote an interdisciplinary perspective in approaching relevant global health problems and solutions
To facilitate the development of strong connections and partnerships between students of diverse backgrounds and experiences
To explore the strengths of case-based, peer-learning in global health education and innovation

Participation

YGH SURGE is designed for professional students interested in global health in all countries and of all disciplines, including medicine, nursing, pharmacy, law, business, and more. SURGE selects its participants each year through nominations from the administration of professional institutions. Active participation is expected, and stable internet access is required as SURGE is conducted online, via Zoom. If you are interested in participating, please contact us via email and provide us the contact information of your institution’s administration.

Leadership

Wenjing Luo
2025 Co-Leader (YSM)
Postdoctoral Associate
Wendy Luo is a first-year medical student at the Yale School of Medicine. She grew up in China and went to Zhejiang University as an undergraduate majoring in Biomedical Engineering. She came to Yale to pursue a PhD in Biomedical Engineering and decided to stay for medical school. She likes painting, hiking, and watching baking shows.
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Rachel Shi
2025 Co-Leader (YSM)
Rachel Shi is a first-year medical student at the Yale School of Medicine. She is from Seattle, Washington and went to the University of Washington for her BS and MS in Bioengineering. She enjoys playing tennis and crocheting while listening to podcasts.
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Ella Zhang
2025 Co-Leader (YSM)
Ella Zhang is a first-year medical student at the Yale School of Medicine. She grew up in Grand Forks, North Dakota, and graduated from Johns Hopkins University with a major in Neuroscience. In her free time, Ella enjoys reading and ice skating.
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Founding Director

Hanya M. Qureshi, MD
Founding Director, Head Strategy & Development, Yale Global Health - Students United for Regional & Global Health Education (YGH SURGE), Office of Global Health Education
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Executive Planning Committee

Clarinda Nana Agyeman Attah, MD- Ghana
Hanya M. Qureshi, MD – USA
Insiya Saifudeen – Sri-Lanka
Kuku Muva, Engr. – Ghana
Paul Okoye – Nigeria
Shahryar Rana, MD – Canada, Pakistan