Date of Award

Winter 3-20-2026

Document Type

Thesis (Master's)

Department or Program

Master of Arts in Liberal Studies

First Advisor

Dr. Lisa V. Adams

Second Advisor

Dr. Don Pease

Third Advisor

Dr. Anna Minardi

Abstract

After the genocide in Rwanda in 2014, there were as few as 100 physicians left to provide health care for the entire country. The Rwandan Ministry of Health reached out to US academic institutions for assistance in rebuilding capacity and educating Rwanda’s next generation of medical professionals. The Human Resources for Health (HRH) program in Rwanda was instituted and led by the Rwandan Ministry of Health with support from the Clinton Health Access Initiative. The Geisel School of Medicine led by its Center for Global Health Equity, participated in the HRH program in Rwanda, from 2012 to 2019. This oral history research thesis is focused on face-to-face interviews with seven Dartmouth physicians, laying out their experiences related to involvement, challenges, surprises, and relationships with the Rwandan medical staff and the local population. All the physicians offered that their participation was based on a long-standing interest in global health. They acknowledged one of the challenges that they faced was a lack of medical equipment and resources. Most noted that the lack of resources at the Rwandan hospitals surprised them. The Rwandan medical residents were highly praised by the respondents as being intelligent, enthusiastic and eager to learn. The respondents lamented that patients often sought medical treatment after their condition had deteriorated beyond the point of viable options for medical intervention or treatment. All respondents pointed out that their participation in the HRH program was a rewarding experience and that working alongside the Rwandan residents was their favorite experience. They felt a sense of accomplishment with their participation in the HRH program in Rwanda. The Dartmouth physicians commended the efforts of the HRH program in assisting with the education and rebuilding of Rwandan medical capacity. They believed the program in Rwanda was a fulfilling experience and that they would participate again, given the opportunity.

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