Resurrecting the triple threat: academic social responsibility in the context of global health research

As a result of the pandemic of human immunodeficiency virus infection, more academic physicians involved in research are working in resource-limited settings, especially in the field of infectious diseases. These researchers are often located in close proximity to health care facilities with serious workforce shortages. Because institutions and funders support global health research, they have the opportunity to make a lasting impact on the health system by training local health workers where the research is being conducted. Academic researchers who spend clinical time in local health care centers and who teach and mentor students as part of academic social responsibility will build capacity, an investment that will yield dividends for future generations.