International Medicine ProgramsGeorge Washington University Medical Center

THE GEORGE WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER
OFFICE OF INTERNATIONAL MEDICINE PROGRAMS

INTERNATIONAL CLINICAL ELECTIVES PROGRAM

Program Description
The Office of International Medicine Programs at The George Washington University Medical Center partners with institutions globally to provide opportunities for medical students from GW and abroad to experience a medical system other than their own. The International Clinical Electives Program is designed to provide students with an opportunity to enrich and diversify their medical education in a different physical and social setting.

Goals and Objectives

  • To gain knowledge of the importance of diseases that are uncommon in a student’s home country
  • To bserve and develop existing clinical skills
  • To broaden public health knowledge
  • To develop creativity in problem-solving
  • To deepen commitment to providing high quality medical services
  • To provide opportunities to explore alternate career possibilities
  • To gain experience in aspects of medicine beyond the core curriculum
  • To understand the relationship between medicine and society in another culture. This includes developing an understanding of medical ethics and law, the recognition of medical problems facing different groups within another society, the financing of medical care, and the role of government in healthcare outside of the student’s home country

GWUMC Clinical Rotations

Clinical elective available for international students in the following areas, based upon availability:

    • Anesthesiology
    • Clinical Neuroscience
    • Emergency Medicine
    • Medicine and Subspecialties
    • Obstetrics and Gynecology
    • Pediatrics and Subspecialties
    • Psychiatry
    • Surgery and Surgical Specialties

    Requirements

    Each student will submit to their institution’s administrative office:

    1. Academic Transcripts
    2. Curriculum Vitae/Resume
    3. Completed and Signed Application Form, found under “Applications and Brochures” tab
    4. 2 Letters of Recommendation
    5. A Letter of Good Standing
    6. A 1-page Personal Statement outlining student’s goals and objectives

      GW and the international institutions will determine eligibility and placement based upon students’ credentials. The Office of International Medicine at GW will forward all eligible GW student applications to the administrative office of the host institution for review. Students will receive notice from their home university as to their acceptance into the program.

    Selection

    Each university/institution will be responsible for selecting their respective candidates. Medical students must have completed the following basic clinical rotations: two months in internal medicine; two months in family practice; two months in pediatrics; two months in OB/GYN; two months in surgery; and two months in psychiatry. Students must be in excellent academic standing at their home institution. Students will be selected based on a range of factors, including but not limited to: career goals, previous experience, relevant skills (such as language skills) and academic qualifications.  

    Regulations and Standards

    Students will be held to the highest standards of the host university and will be responsible for upholding all rules, including but not limited to: university publications on rights and responsibilities of students, academic integrity, and MD program honor codes and regulations.

    Duration and Evaluation

    The duration of the International Clinical Elective Program is four to eight weeks, acquiring three to six credit hours. Each student will be assigned a mentor or a preceptor at their host institution, who will assess the student’s performance and give him/her a written report or certificate upon completion of the rotation.

    Calendar

    Each institution shall accommodate prospective exchange students for clerkships during any four to eight-week period between August and May. GWUMC prefers to host students during the months of August, and September, but is willing to accommodate students during other times as well. GWUMC will be unable to host students during the month of July.

    Reciprocity & Number of Students

    The exchange of students will be reciprocal and based on the mutual and specific educational needs and purposes of each institution. The number of students, not to exceed three per academic year at each of GWUMC’s affiliates, will be determined in mutual consultation in a timely manner. The exchange will be based upon student interest; if fewer than three students express an interest in the exchange, the number of interested students will dictate the size of the program for that year. In the event that no students apply during a given year, the exchange will not take place for that academic year, but will resume the next year within the terms of this agreement.

    Lingua Franca

    English is the lingua franca of all institutions. Interested students must have a working knowledge of English in order to be eligible for participation in the exchange program. 

    Program Logistics

    1. Tuition, Fees, Living Expenses: The parties will not charge tuition and related fees to exchange students whom they host.  Rather, students will pay tuition and fees to their home institution. All other expenses are the responsibility of the student. Students selected must demonstrate that they have the necessary personal funds to meet their travel, living, and accommodation expenses.
    2. Housing: All institutions will assist students in locating suitable housing during rotations. These options include accommodations on campus or in local housing. In all cases, students are responsible for the expense of their room and board as well as the expense of traveling to and from the host country and host institution.
    3. Health Insurance & Immunization: Students must obtain comprehensive health insurance coverage and must show evidence of proper immunization before beginning international electives.
    4. Malpractice and Liability Insurance: Each host institution will assume responsibility for the actions of students enrolled under the exchange program that occur as a part of medical student coursework at the host institution during the exchange. Students will be expected to adhere to the malpractice and liability guidelines set by the host institution.
    5. Visa: Students are responsible for meeting all costs, deadlines, and other requirements associated with obtaining a visa to the host country. Each student must obtain his or her own visa.

    International Sites for GW Students