MD with Distinction in International Health

The MD with Distinction in International Health designation recognizes students who distinguish themselves in the conduct of meaningful activities in international health during the course of their medical school training. Individuals satisfying the program requirements will be recognized at graduation and on their diploma as graduating with the degree of Doctor of Medicine, with Distinction in International Health.

Following a six-month clerkship in Paris, students then work on two 3-month rotations in lesser developed countries.

Applications

Students must submit a formal application for the Distinction. The application must be submitted prior to December 31 of the year prior to the start of the Exchange Program and two years prior to the year of the anticipated graduation date (e.g., by December 31, 2009 for an expected May 2011 graduation)..

Student Exchange Program with University of Paris Descartes

The Exchange Program includes a minimum of two clinical clerkships (three months each) at the University of Paris Descartes. Available rotations include Internal Medicine (Rheumatology, Orthopedics, Dermatology), Pediatrics (Hematology), and Obstetrics and Gynecology. Students will be required to complete all academic responsibilities and pass all written and oral examinations to receive credit for the rotations.

Following the six-month experience in Paris, students  participating in IMEP and seeking an MD with Distinction in International Health will arrange clerkship(s) through the ERASMUS program in a lesser or least developed country ("LCD") for the remainder of the 12-month period abroad or an equivalent experience (global health project via SOLEM).

Other international health activities may fulfill the requirement, but must be reviewed and approved in advance by the review committee.

Process

Students interested in applying should carefully review the full list of Eligibility Requirements. Throughout the program, the student's progress will be monitored by the program directors and the Global Health Student Advisory Committee (GHSAC).

As the exchange nears completion, a Capstone Paper will be submitted for consideration by the committee to meet the requirements of the MD with Distinction in International Health. The scholarly work should describe the objectives, programs, and activities the student has conducted during the year abroad. The main body of the paper should include a scholarly review of the literature based on an experience or observation a student has during their international clinical rotations. Finally, it should conclude with a reflection of the impact the experience had on their future career goals. An initial proposal followed by the complete scholarly product will be submitted to the committee for review and approval.

A formal presentation of the results will be made to an audience that includes members of the committee. An electronic copy of the document (portfolio) will be archived within the library collection. All components necessary for obtaining a Distinction in International Health (Capstone Project approval, submission, and presentation) should be completed by May 1 the year of graduation.