An International Learning Exchange on Global Mental Health with Dr. Mohamed Ibrahim and Dr. Grace Mwangi
“They [the students] get to hear about those challenges from each other. They get to hear about the opportunities. They get to hear about the innovations that are taking place so it’s not just a classroom learning from professors, but actually students learning together.”
Dr. Mohamed Ibrahim
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About the Episode
This episode features Dr. Grace Mwangi, a health psychologist and addiction specialist at the Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC) in Nairobi, where she serves as Deputy Registrar of Student Affairs, supporting the college’s mission to train healthcare professionals in Kenya. Dr. Mohamed Ibrahim, an Assistant Professor at the UBC School of Social Work and a Michael Smith Health Research BC Scholar, joins Grace to reflect on their five-year partnership between UBC and KMTC. Dr. Mohamed’s research focuses on global mental health, addiction, and psychosocial support, especially in low- and middle-income countries. Grace and Mohamed discuss their global mental health course, which includes an interdisciplinary learning exchange with students from various health fields. They also discuss global South-North exchanges based on their collaboration, highlighting how transnational cooperation is advancing mental health education and practice.
Timestamps
1:30 – Get to Know: Dr. Grace Mwangi & the Kenya Medical Training College
2:40 – Get to Know: Dr. Mohamed Ibrahim
3:42 – The Global Mental Health Course: A Space for International Learning
8:50 – The Benefits of the Knowledge Exchange between UBC and KTMC Students
13:25 – How Kenyan Community Organizations are Incorporated into the Course
14:40 – Student Story: Applying First-Hand Learnings about the Resettlement of Government-Assisted Refugees in Canada
17:41 – Expanding International Relationships: Center for Disease Control for Africa’s Mental Health Leadership and Advocacy Course
Mentioned in this Episode
Partner: Kenya Medical Training College
Our Guests
Dr. Grace Mwangi is Deputy Registrar of Student Affairs at the Kenya Medical Training College in Nairobi, Kenya where she supports overall student welfare in her role. Dr. Mwangi is also a health psychologist and addictions specialist.
Dr. Mohamed Ibrahim is an Assistant Professor in the UBC School of Social Work and Michael Smith Health Research BC Scholar. Dr. Ibrahim research focuses on the various areas of global mental health, addiction, mental and psychosocial support and peacebuilding, and task-shifting/sharing in lower and middle-income environments.