SPHERE Certificate Program

SPHERE (Students Promoting Health, Equity, and Responsibility for Everyone) is a new certificate program that builds on the foundation of the former Concentration in Global Health and Social Accountability. The SPHERE Certificate Program is administered by the International and Global Health Office and the Office of Social Accountability, and is open to all Faculty of Medicine learners, including students, residents, and fellows. This updated program offers students expanded opportunities to learn, connect, and make an impact in global health, social accountability, Indigenous health, and planetary health through a flexible and engaging learning pathway.   

Format

The SPHERE certificate program emphasizes participation in experiential learning activities and provides resources for students to undertake further optional self-directed learning. Examples of SPHERE program activities and projects include the Climate Fresk Workshop, Planetary Health Research Collective, Global Health Learning Network, City Studio Projects, and San’yas Indigenous Cultural Safety Training. A comprehensive list of eligible activities  is provided on Brightspace. Students are also encouraged to organize events and complete self-directed projects as part of the program.

To obtain the SPHERE certificate, learners must:  

1. Earn 50 points total
2. Complete activities in at least 3 out of the 4 following themes:

• Global Health
• Indigenous Health
• Planetary Health  
• Social Accountability

Activities must be linked to one of the themes and will be categorized upon submission of reflections in Brightspace. 

Duration

The program may be completed over the course of your time as a uOttawa learner.

Steps to register in the program

1. To register in the SPHERE Certificate Program please complete the SPHERE Certificate Program Registration Form.  
2. Once registered, you will be added to the Brightspace course where you will be able to submit your reflections on the activities you participated in and learn more about the different activities you could engage in.
3. After completing the application form, you will be added to our mailing list where you will receive regular updates on upcoming activities.
4. Once your application has been reviewed and processed, you will receive a confirmation email from [email protected] and you can start submitting your reflections and earning points. 

Assessment

The assessment entails both qualitative and quantitative components based on participation in activities and student reflections on their experiences.

• Qualitative: At the end of each term, students are required to submit brief (maximum half-page) reflections on their participation in activities as they relate to competencies in global health and social accountability. These written reflections are designed to encourage self-reflection as a critical component of professional development, cultural competency and the application of knowledge.
• Quantitative: Activities are assigned points based on their duration and level of effort. 

Recognition

Learners who earn a minimum of 50 points will receive a certificate of achievement outlining the activities they participated in. This recognition can be included on the learner's CV.

Please note that UGME mandatory Community Service Learning will not count toward the concentration.