Medical Director: Karen Olness, MDProfessor of Pediatrics, Family Medicine, and Global Child Health
The Center (RCGCH) was created in 1987 by Dr. Karen Olness, who is recognized as a world leader in the fields of global child health, pediatric disaster relief and behavioral pediatrics.
The RCGCH was the first center for international child health in the nation. It provides a unique opportunity for new pediatricians to learn about and experience the challenges of global child health and to make a positive difference, particularly for children born in the developing world.
Recognized and endorsed worldwide by major organizations, including UNICEF, World Health Organization (WHO), International Rescue Committee (IRC), Doctors Without Borders (MSF) and International Pediatric Association (IPA), the Center provides a model for other institutions that have recently developed interests in global child health and pediatric disaster management.
The RCGCH comprises a talented team of experts in pediatrics, global health, disaster management, infectious diseases and medical education who work in partnership with a large team of colleagues around the world. Together, the RCGCH team and its collaborators offer their expertise, leadership and dedication to help millions of children worldwide who need assistance in peaceful times and even more so when disasters occur.
Our Center mission is to improve the health of children worldwide through medical education, research and clinical service. We focus particularly on children living in developing countries, who comprise 90% of the world's children but receive only a small proportion of its healthcare resources. A major focus is our
International Health Track in the Pediatrics Residency. Please click on the related topics to find out more about our work in education, research and clinical service.