The National School of Tropical Medicine at Baylor College of Medicine is the only school of tropical medicine in the United States solely committed to addressing the world's most pressing tropical diseases that disproportionately afflict "the bottom billion," the world's poorest people who live below the World Bank poverty level.
NSTM has nationally and internationally recognized robust educational programs focused on Neglected Tropical Diseases and Infections of Poverty. Together with faculty from the Section of Pediatric Tropical Medicine in the Department of Pediatrics and faculty from other key departments, centers and schools within Baylor College of Medicine and the Texas Medical Center, the school continues to build infrastructure capacity for education focused on Neglected Tropical Diseases and Infections of Poverty in the United States and globally.
Diploma in Tropical Medicine
The Diploma of Tropical Medicine program is an intensive course aimed towards healthcare professionals, including physicians, nurses and physician assistants as well as students pursuing related degree programs who would like to practice or do research in tropical medicine and traveler’s health here in the United States or internationally.
Summer Institute in Tropical Medicine
This intensive two-week course, held on the National School of Tropical Medicine's campus in Houston at the heart of the Texas Medical Center, introduces undergraduate learners to tropical medicine through explorations of global health, epidemiology, public health, neglected tropical diseases and infections of poverty.
Note: The Summer Institute is open to undergraduate students.
Certificate in Tropical Microbiology & Molecular Diagnostics
This is a 12-week online program designed for healthcare, laboratory, and public health professionals seeking specialized training in the detection and diagnosis of infectious diseases. Through flexible, self-paced learning, participants gain practical knowledge in tropical microbiology, molecular diagnostics, pathogen identification, genomics, and emerging diagnostic technologies using interactive virtual laboratory experiences and case-based learning.
Offered in both English and Spanish, this globally accessible program prepares learners to address real-world diagnostic challenges and strengthen their expertise in responding to emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases. Graduates will develop valuable skills that support careers in clinical laboratories, public health, global health, research, and healthcare settings worldwide.
For more information or to enroll, email tropmed@bcm.edu.
Tropico Infecto
Designed for physicians, veterinarians, biologists, nurses, public health professionals, and other healthcare practitioners, this program equips participants with practical knowledge to address emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases affecting the Americas. Participants gain access to expert faculty from across Latin America and the United States, interactive case discussions, and a multidisciplinary curriculum covering zoonoses, vector-borne diseases, climate-related health threats, epidemiology, and global health. Upon successful completion, participants receive an official certificate recognizing 120 hours of advanced professional training in zoonotic diseases and One Health.
For more information or to enroll, email tropmed@bcm.edu.
Tropical Medicine Research Opportunities
For individuals who seek research opportunities, please complete the NSTM student interest form.
BCM SMART Program
Undergraduates in this nine-week paid internship are allowed to choose their interest from a broad range of areas in biomedical research, including Tropical Medicine. Learn more.
Fellowships
Pediatric Infectious Disease Tropical and Global Medicine Track
The National School of Tropical Medicine has collaborated with the Baylor College of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics and Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases to provide post-graduate clinical fellows in pediatric infectious diseases with the opportunity to build an academic and research career in pediatric global infectious and tropical diseases. Learn more.
Adult Infectious Disease Tropical and Global Medicine Track
The National School of Tropical Medicine has collaborated with the Baylor College of Medicine, Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases to provide post-graduate clinical fellows in adult infectious diseases with the opportunity to build an academic and research career in global infectious and tropical diseases. Learn more.
Policies
Note: View the most updated Baylor College of Medicine Academic Policies and official catalogs.
Former Student Spotlight
Victoria Whelan, MSc. Global Health student at University of Barcelona/ISGlobal
Skills I learned at the Summer Institute assisted me not only in my classes at Baylor University, but also as a Mosquito and Vector Control intern for Harris County, and now in my graduate studies 5,000 miles away.
Former Student Spotlight
Rebecca Jeun, M.D.
Baylor medical student Rebecca Jeun worked in TropMed labs and then got a grant to travel with one of our researchers, Dr. Rojelio Mejia, and help with his project.
Tropical Medicine Teaching Laboratory
Sessions at the Tropical Medicine Teaching Laboratory, directed by Kathryn Jones, D.V.M., Ph.D., give students at the National School of Tropical Medicine and the Section of Pediatric Tropical Medicine hands-on parasitology experience.
Advice for Young Scientists
With Dr. Rojelio Mejia.