DEPARTMENT OF INTERNAL MEDICINE, RENO

International Health Elective description - 4th Year Medical Students Only

Department(s): Internal Medicine IMED

Course Title International Medical Experience IMED 662p

Number: Section 003

Preceptors: Various on-site preceptors

Length: minimum 2 weeks, maximum 8 weeks

Objective/Goal:
1) Obtain experience with international patients and physicians serving patients in another country.
2) Understand the challenges of cross-cultural medicine including the social and economic aspects of disease.
3) Understand the challenges of public health and preventive medicine in the elective country.

Description of Rotation:
Interested students are responsible for finding a relevant and meaningful international experience and an on-site preceptor that is willing and able to provide them with an international medical experience. This elective is subject to approval by Dr. Bronander and the Associate Dean of Medical Education and will depend on both student factors and host factors. The experience must be primarily for medical education and a detailed list of activities must be provided prior to approval. The elective will vary depending on the subspecialty of the on-site preceptor. The student must visit a travel medicine clinic prior to leaving on the trip to obtain all proper immunizations and/or prophylactic medications recommended by the Centers for Disease Control. A waiver must be signed to limit the liability of the University of Nevada. The student is responsible for all aspects of travel including obtaining valid passports and visas.

Reference:
Imperato, PJ. A third world international health elective for US medical students: the 25 year experience of the State University of New York, Downstate Medical Center. J Community Health. 2004 Oct;29(5):337-373.

Evaluation Method:
Students will be responsible for writing a minimum 2 page, double spaced report that summarizes the experience and indicates the value of the experience to the student. UNSOM’s Clinical Performance Evaluation will be completed by the on-site preceptor and submitted to the course coordinator for final grade determination and comments.

Grade:
Honors/ Pass /Fail