Global interprofessional STEM education

A U.S.–Mexico dual degree model for advancing global health competence

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.32674/h21dh457

Keywords:

collaboration, interprofessional education, dual degree

Abstract

This study examines an innovative cross-border dual degree program in medicine and public health developed through a partnership between universities in the United States and Mexico. The program integrates STEM education with interprofessional education (IPE) to prepare students for collaborative leadership in global health systems. Through interdisciplinary coursework, international mobility, and experiential learning in diverse public health contexts, students develop competencies in systems thinking, cultural responsiveness, and interprofessional collaboration. The program also strengthens institutional partnerships, promotes knowledge exchange, and expands global health training opportunities for future healthcare professionals. Findings suggest that cross-border dual degree models can serve as effective platforms for integrating STEM and public health education while fostering globally competent physicians capable of addressing complex health inequities.

Author Biographies

  • Gabriela Valdez, The University of Arizona

    GABRIELA VALDEZ, PhD, is the Director of Global Education for the Global Health Institute, Director of Global Health Programs and Assistant Professor of Practice at the Health Promotion Sciences Department at the University of Arizona Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health. Dr. Valdez has had the opportunity to work in the field of international education for over 20 years teaching, creating, implementing, and overseeing international programs in over 20 countries around the world. She received a Ph.D. in International Education & Global Perspectives from the University of Arizona. Dr. Valdez' research interest focuses on comparative studies, intercultural communication, global health, border health, internationalization and contextualization of the curriculum, international students' experiences, international collaboration, and program evaluation

  • Iman Hakim, University of Arizona

    IMAN HAKIM, MBBCh, PhD, MPH is a professor of public health and the Dean of the University of Arizona Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health (MEZCOPH). Dr. Hakim is the Mel & Enid Zuckerman Endowed Chair in Public Health and the founding director of the Global Health Institute. She is internationally known for her translational research and work on the role of bioactive food compounds, such as green tea and limonene in modulation of oxidative damage and prevention of chronic diseases such as cancer and cardiovascular diseases. Her research focuses on health promotion, dietary interventions, and the role of gene-environment and gene-nutrition interactions in chronic disease prevention. 

  • Mary Anne Colin Gascon, Universidad del Valle de Mexico

    MARY ANNE COLIN GASCON, MA, Institutional Director of Internationalization at Universidad Tecnológica de México (UNITEC) and Universidad del Valle de México (UVM) holds a Master’s Degree in Culture and Values in Education from McGill University, Montreal. Prior to working at Laureate, Ms. Colin worked at CONAHCYT the Ministry of Science and Technology in Mexico, at Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), US Embassy in Mexico City, Institute of International Education and Centro de Investigación y Docencia Económicas (CIDE). With more than 20 of experience in international education, Mrs. Colin great passion is to design and execute international academic programs as she has experienced the impact when you have access to academic international experiences. 

References

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Additional Files

Published

2026-03-07

Issue

Vol. 21 (2026): American Journal of STEM Education (STEM & Internationalization)

Section

STEM & Internationalization

License

Copyright (c) [year] [author]
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
This license permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0

How to Cite

Valdez, G., Hakim, I., & Colin Gascon, M. A. (2026). Global interprofessional STEM education: A U.S.–Mexico dual degree model for advancing global health competence. American Journal of STEM Education, 21, 33-40. https://doi.org/10.32674/h21dh457