Originally known as the Alliance for International Medicine program (AIM), the initiative began with a small group of CHOP staff who were interested in volunteering their time and efforts in developing countries. Under the leadership of Rodney Finalle, MD, AIM sent over 100 clinicians to various countries. They donated their vacation days to carry donated medicines and their medical expertise to children around the world.
2007:
AIM volunteers were established as the Global Health Allies.
2008:
The hospital officially designated Global Health as an institutional effort and priority for the future. Rodney Finalle, MD was named Director of Global Health and leads efforts for the Hospital.
The David N. Pincus Global Health Fellowship was established with the goal of the attracting the best and brightest pediatricians motivated in global health early in their careers. That same year, the inaugural fellows began an intense and exciting two-year academic fellowship working at The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and primarily in both of our partner countries: the Dominican Republic or Botswana/South Africa.
2009:
Building on years of collaboration with the community of Consuelo in the Dominican Republic, CHOP opened its first pediatric clinic Niños Primeros en Salud, or “Kids First Consuelo.” The work of the clinic expands quickly and provides primary health care and targeted programs to hundreds of children living in Consuelo.