Romy Interns for WHO in Geneva, Switzerland

Romy Granek, a research assistant at the Transfusion Research Unit and Monash undergraduate medical student, has spent this past year in Geneva, Switzerland as an intern for the World Health Organization. During this time she has been completing her Bachelor of Medical Science in the WHO’s department of Violence and Injury Prevention and Disability, specifically examining global antibiotic practices in trauma resuscitation. Romy has also been assisting with a project to establish a universal emergency telephone number to help improve access to pre-hospital care around the world. She attended the 66^th World Health Assembly along with health ministers and officials from all 194 WHO member states and witnessed the launch of the Global Alliance for Care of the Injured. She also learned about how global health policy is adopted through resolutions and gained insight into the biggest health challenges currently facing the international community. Other highlights have been attending truly inspiring talks from a diverse range of speakers including Swedish doctor and statistician, Hans Rosling, and Secretary- General of the United Nations, Ban Ki-moon. This year has been an amazing and unique opportunity to learn about public health and research in a leading international health organization and alongside others equally passionate about global health.