Supporting Global Health Education for 20 Years: CGHSR Student Coordinator Shannon Benson

University of Minnesota medical students who have traveled abroad likely know Shannon Benson.

Benson has been supporting the Global Medical Education and Research (GMER) program since 2005. During that time, she’s helped facilitate travel for hundreds of students looking to study medicine internationally.  

She’s also watched former medical students transition into professional roles, sometimes at the university.

“After being in this position for 20 years, it is so much fun coming across UMN faculty that were once my students,” said Benson. “It feels good to know that I had a very small part in a hopefully life- or career-changing experience.”

The GMER program, offered by the Center for Global Health and Social Responsibility (CGHSR) is an exchange that allows UMN medical students to study medicine abroad and international students the chance to do so in Minnesota. The program was started by CGHSR founders Drs. Paul Quie and Phil Peterson. 

GMER has 13 affiliated international sites students can travel to. In 2025, 30 fourth-year UMN medical students traveled to 14 different countries as part of the program; GMER hosted 19 international students from six different countries in 2025.

Benson, CGHSR’s student coordinator, is modest about her work. But former students don’t hold back when expressing their gratitude.

Josh Rhein, MD, is a faculty member at the UMN Medical School’s Department of Medicine. He has known Benson since 2005, when he was a student just dipping his toes into global health.

"Shannon has been a constant source of support and encouragement throughout my time at the University of Minnesota working in global health, from when I was a student first traveling to Uganda to now as faculty overseeing new generations of students being immersed in global health,” said Rhein.

“She brings a genuine enthusiasm and joy to her work that is contagious, and students immediately feel welcomed, supported, and excited about the experience. I’m truly grateful for the impact she has had on me and on so many students who have come through GMER over the years.”

Benson offers the behind-the-scenes support that makes a global program like GMER happen. That means coordinating relationships with students throughout their academic career, from student activity fairs all the way to commencement.

Benson meets with dozens of students every semester to help them prepare for their travel and connect with UMN faculty and staff to enhance their experiences abroad. 

Students often stay in touch with Benson for years after their GMER experience.

“The best part really is working with the students. Each year they amaze me with their experience and passion for global health,” said Benson.

“It really is all about the relationships we create. With faculty, mentors, international partners and students. I’ve made a lot of good friends over the years. Working together to build sustainable programs for our students is something I am really proud to be a part of.”