This episode features an interview with Dr. Shadi Saleh, the founding director of the Global Health Institute at the American University of Beirut. Dr. Saleh discusses the institute's work to shift the global health paradigm from a North-led, implementer-driven model to one where institutions in the Global South are originators of context-driven solutions. Key highlights include:

• The institute's work to create a cloud-based electronic health record system for refugee populations, allowing them to access their medical histories as they move between countries.

• Initiatives to integrate "conflict medicine" into the training and education of healthcare professionals, preparing them to practice in disrupted and resource-limited settings.

• The institute's role as a regional hub for research and innovation in the use of AI for global health applications, focusing on community health and sexual/reproductive health.

• The institute's commitment to diversifying its funding sources to maintain independence and sustainability.

• Dr. Saleh's optimism about the next generation of global health leaders, who are driven to be equal partners in finding solutions rather than merely implementers of ideas from the Global North.

A transcript of this episode is available at https://www.public-health.uiowa.edu/news-items/plugged-in-to-public-health-changing-the-global-health-paradigm/

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