Global Critical Care Collaboration

Who We Are

The Global Critical Care Collaboration (GC3) is a group of like-minded physicians, health-care workers, and administrators who have a heart for improving critical care access, research, and education in resource-challenged areas around the world. Our members come from diverse backgrounds ranging from Kijabe and Nairobi, Kenya, to many academic centers across the United States.

How We Started

The idea initially came to Burton Lee, a US-trained pulmonary intensivist, as he returned to the US after having worked for 6 years at Kijabe Medical Center in rural Kenya.  How can we better address the gap between the limited supply of trained clinicians who can care for critically ill patients and the burden of illness for such patients in resource-variable regions of the world? 

Helping without Hurting

“A good intention, with a bad approach, often leads to a poor result” (Thomas Edison). GC3 seeks to avoid the pitfalls commonly encountered by international collaborations, where seemingly helpful projects can unintentionally lead to more harm. GC3 aims to have a humble, listening approach, seeking healthy relationships first so we all can achieve long-lasting benefits.

Partnerships, not Prescriptions

It all begins with individual people. There is no “one size fits all” when it comes to critical care medicine and its development. We aim to have listening ears, and partnering hands: together working towards meaningful goals rather than prescribing a simple “fix” to complex challenges. We believe intentional, thoughtful, and meaningful collaborations are a small step towards improving health across the globe.

  • Currently, there are 9 institutions represented by the GC3 members, 2 in Kenya, and 7 in the USA. However, these numbers continue to change as the Collaboration grows and expands.

  • 1. We support clinician capacity building through bedside teaching and formal courses.

    2. We support research capacity building by conducting mentored research projects in partnership with our local national colleagues.

    3. We send critical care fellows and attending intensivists to resource-variable ICUs seeking clinical support.

    Interested in further details? Check out our Programs and Initiatives page for more details on this.

  • Currently, the highest need is for financial support as we begin several initiatives. Consider visiting the Donate page for ways to donate towards these endeavors. As GC3 grows, there may be more opportunities for additional partnerships.