Global Health Abroad

Prerequisites:  Must be a 4th year medical student in good standing.  Must attend the pre-travel orientation which is held annually in September/October - date subject to change from year to year.

Catalog Description:  Students may obtain credit toward completion of the requirements for the M.D. degree by supervised, structured, approved global clinical or research experiences. These experiences must be approved in advance through the Global Medical Education and Research (GMER) Program Office.

Clinical and research experiences must be arranged according to these guidelines:

• Must meet with course director by August 15th for travel in the next academic year
• All students must visit the GMER Office as the initial step in the planning process for assistance in identifying training sites based on the student's personal goals as well as information about travel awards, safety and logistics.
• All students must provide the GMER Office a reflective essay of his/her experience and an official written evaluation of the student's experience by the host mentor/supervisor within 30 days of their return.

Sites: 

Required session attendance: Pre-Travel Orientation held annually in September/October

Typical weekly schedule/Delivery Mode:  Varies depending on site and rotation

Direct patient care:  No

Consent Requirement: Arranged. Email Course Coordinator for details.

Course Objectives:  By the end of this rotation, students will be able to:

• Gain confidence in preparing for a global medical experience.
• Experience the practice of medicine in a resource-limited setting.
• Develop skills in physicial examination and history taking.
• Learn about diseases commonly seen in other parts of the world.
• Develop cultural humility in providing patient care and professional interactions.
• Recognize the privilege of participating in health care with colleagues and patient from another county.
• Learn to manage stress in a culture and professional environment different from one's own.
• Demonstrate personal and professional responsibility in a global setting.
• Conceptualize the challenge of restoring global health equity.
• Experience career opportunities in global health.

Graded Components:

• Submit the official written evaluation completed by the host mentor/supervisor.  You must receive all 3's or above.
• Completion of the reflective essay.  Please comment on how this experience will impact your career of choice and or practice of medicine in the future.

• Schedule a required debriefing meeting with course directors to discuss your experience upon return.

Grading Scale:  P/N