Last week we gathered at Hughes Hall, University of Cambridge, for CGHP’s annual East of England Global Health Fellows Learning Event.
It was a day full of reflection, inspiration and connection as we celebrated the achievements of the 2025 fellows and welcomed the incoming 2026 cohort. Our keynote speaker, consultant midwife at Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (CUH) Joanne Welsh, set the tone with an inspiring talk about her global health experience and application to the NHS.
The outgoing fellows then took to the stage to give lightning presentations about their projects and experiences working with healthcare colleagues in Uganda, Tanzania, Myanmar and more. They shared their key learnings and top tips for the new cohort, including the challenges of working in low-resource environments and the creativity, adaptability and resilience this required. They also described how the fellowships have influenced their personal and professional development – from building confidence and leadership skills to strengthening their cultural competency and awareness of inequalities.
A common theme was humility: recognising the value of working with communities and colleagues, rather than imposing models of care from the Global North. Fellows reflected on how the two-way learning not only had an impact on patient outcomes in the partner country, but also helped them develop insights that will improve their patient care in the NHS.
Welcoming the 2026 cohort
After lunch the spotlight shifted to our incoming fellows. Although the cohort is smaller than last year’s, the new fellows bring experience from a range of backgrounds and specialities including dermatology, general practice and midwifery.
They spent the afternoon connecting with one another, with their supervisors and with the outgoing fellows to discuss project ideas and consider what they want to achieve over the year ahead.
In breakout groups, they discussed the wider fellowship programme, exploring topics such as mentorship, how to build an active alumni network, and the relevance of global learning to NHS England’s Ten-Year Health Plan. These conversations highlighted how the fellowship not only strengthens healthcare systems in partner countries, but also contributes to improving the way we deliver care in the UK. It was a powerful reminder of why the support and funding from NHS England that makes these fellowships possible is so impactful.
Looking ahead
The day closed with reflections and encouragement for our 2026 fellows as they prepare for their placements. The long-term impact of the programme came across strongly in terms of the personal and professional skills gained – but also through the sustainable improvements to healthcare that can be made by working in partnership and learning from other systems.
CGHP would like to thank all our fellows and supervisors – past and present – for their commitment, insight and dedication. We look forward to seeing what the 2026 cohort will achieve in the year ahead.
Find out more about the Global Health Fellowship and meet the incoming fellows.
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