Planning on International Elective

Overview of the Application Process

International electives have been shown to increase the likelihood that future MD’s will work with disadvantaged populations, maintain true generalist skills and alter career paths to pursue primary care. An international elective can be a transformational experience for medical learners. It exposes them to different worldviews, to low resourced settings, to ethical dilemmas they would not otherwise consider and often highlights the deep-rooted causes of ill health. The international elective approval process is designed to help prepare our learners for these experiences and walk them through the steps that will help make their international elective a safe and positive experience.

If you are interested you must plan to attend pre-departure training. This is mandatory. The approval process is a two-step process that will likely take 6-12 months to complete. All tasks must be completed and reviewed with the Global Health Coordinator and/or learner affairs prior to departure. Inclusive to this process is a standardized letter that will be sent to the host institution that details expectations for NOSM University’s medical learners. You will become familiar with the International SOS Assistance service prior to departure; and you will be required to review and sign a waiver of liability.

Most importantly, the process requires that you meet with the Global Health Coordinator at least twice prior to your departure. You will also have to commit to a mid-elective check-in and a post-arrival debrief sessions. There are also three evaluation forms to fill out about the elective.

The learner’s evaluation of the elective itself.
The learner’s evaluation of themselves by your designated supervisor.
An evaluation of the elective approval process.

Failure to comply or agree to the aforementioned will result in a denied application for an international elective, termination of the elective pre-maturely or no credit given for the elective.

For more information please review the International Elective Approval Process and/or begin the application process.