M.D., with Distinction in International Health 

I. Purpose: To recognize students who distinguish themselves in the conduct of meaningful activities in international health during the course of their medical school training.

II. Outcome: Individuals satisfying the program requirements would be recognized at graduation and on their diploma as graduating with the degree of: Doctor of Medicine, with Distinction in International Health.

III. Rationale: An increasing number of medical graduates plan careers in international medicine. There increasing numbers of global health initiatives in available at medical schools. A graduation distinction will provide a mechanism to encourage individuals to develop their capabilities as part of their medical training.

Program Outline

- An outline of the program will be provided at the time of acceptance into medical school.

- Students will need to make a formal application to the program. They may do so upon acceptance to UT Southwestern or at subsequent times, but application to the program must be made prior to December 31st 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). The application can be downloaded here.

- Applicable International Health Program:

Student Exchange Program with University of Paris Descartes

Students who have completed either the Global Health pre-clinical elective or successfully completed an orientation provided by the International Office, have passed the Alliance Francaise standardized exam for language competency, have completed the clinical clerkships, and are in good academic standing are eligible for participation. The Exchange Program includes a minimum of two clinical clerkships (3 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 6 month experience in Paris, students applying to the M.D. 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). These experiences must be approved by the Designated Liasons at both schools.

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

- Upon application, a committee will be assembled. This committee will be responsible for assuring that all eligibility requirements are met and reviewing applications for approval.

- The student's progress will be monitored by the program directors and by the committee. As the project nears completion, a summary document (portfolio) will be submitted to the committee describing the objectives, programs, and activities that the student has conducted during the year abroad.

- After approval of this document by the committee, the program summary document together with a recommendation will be forwarded to the Associate Dean for Medical Student Research for review. Following approval by the Associate Dean, a formal presentation of the results will be made to an audience that includes the members of the committee. A copy of the document (portfolio) will be archived within the library collection (electronic thesis and dissertation format is required according to the library guidelines; print submission is optional). The formal signed paperwork will be kept by the Associate Dean. All components of the program (portfolio approval, submission, and presentation) should be completed by May 1st the year of graduation.

- Following approval by the Associate Dean, a recommendation with a brief summary of the student's activities will be forwarded to the Faculty Council for approval that the student graduates with the degree of:

"M.D., with Distinction in International Health"

- Faculty Council will need to approve awarding of this honor by September of the fourth year of medical school for inclusion in the dean's letter, or at the latest by February of the last year for inclusion on the diploma.

- In the event that a student disagrees with the decision of the committee or the Associate Dean for Medical Student Research, it is first the obligation of the student to make a good faith effort to resolve the matter with the program directors. Further appeals should be directed to the Associate Dean for Medical Student Research, and then to the Dean of the Medical School. The determination of the dean is final.