(G = Global, in-person experience in another country or in a medically underserved area of the United States)
This elective allows senior medical students to work under supervision in various clinical sites in other countries. The sites and experiences are varied and may include inpatient, outpatient and/or community health experiences. The purpose is for students to serve in practice settings where they must rely on fund of knowledge, history and physical exam skills with minimal technological support. For students interested in research, this elective can be adjusted to include global health research experiences. Scholarship funding is available to assist students in participating in this international elective. If interested in this funding, contact David M. Holmes, MD for information about how to apply for the scholarship
Doing an international health rotation will be an incredible experience! You’ll strengthen your history and physical exam skills and learn a lot about a different culture, country, medical system, economy and language as well as different diseases. It will provide for a unique opportunity to learn from people and make new friends in a low-income country or wherever you decide to go.
There are opportunities to learn about tropical medicine, public health, infectious diseases, neglected tropical diseases and so much more. You can go almost anywhere in the world (as long as there’s no travel restrictions posted by the U.S. Department of State). You can also go to medically underserved places in America, such as rural Alaska, Native American Reservations and public health sites. Wherever you go, it will be an exciting way to learn and serve those in need.
For questions about this elective contact David M. Holmes, MD, at dholmes@buffalo.edu.
Some of the specific goals of this elective are to:
After deciding on a place to go, you’ll need to do the following PRIOR to travelling internationally:
1. Register for course number FMD-890G. PLEASE NOTE: The elective must be at least 4 weeks of clinical or public health time (20 days for the Americas & Caribbean, 18 days for anywhere else to allow for longer travel time).
2. Complete the UB Global Health Elective Application Form (linked below). Submit the form to Dr. Holmes and Laura Willgohs in the Curriculum Office.
3. Review and sign the UB Liability Waiver (linked below).
4. Get updated passport (via the post office) and visa (if needed)
5. Follow CDC guidelines for the country you are traveling to. Make an appointment at the Travel Clinic at the UB Student Health Center: 829-3316.
6. Get evacuation and health insurances to cover you overseas. Normal UB student health insurance does not cover students while overseas. Students can get both insurances by calling UB north campus at 645-3036 (approximate cost is $50/mo for both insurances).
7. Meet with Dr. Holmes for a “Briefing Session” 1-3 months before you depart.
8. Contact Dr. Holmes when you return to the U.S. to schedule a debriefing meeting with him.
9. Write a reflection of your experience prior to your debriefing meeting with Dr. Holmes (> 500 words) that includes the following:
10. You will receive a grade for the elective after you meet with Dr. Holmes and review your reflection paper with him and after he receives the grade form from the physician supervising you overseas.
Students must meet with Dr. Holmes to discuss and plan out the elective at least three months prior to travelling overseas. Ideally, students will contact Dr. Holmes and begin the planning process for their global health experience 6-12 months prior to travelling.
Prerequisite: MS4
Modules: A-K. Minimum rotation, 4 weeks (Students must be in WNY during Match Week in Module J)
No. of students: unlimited
Course Director: David M. Holmes, MD