title: A student-initiated and student-facilitated international health elective for preclinical medical students.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Global health education is becoming more important for developing well-rounded physicians and may encourage students toward a career in primary care. Many medical schools, however, lack adequate and structured opportunities for students beginning the curriculum.
  
  
  METHODS
  Second-year medical students initiated, designed, and facilitated a pass-fail international health elective, providing a curricular framework for preclinical medical students wishing to gain exposure to the clinical and cultural practices of a developing country.
  
  
  RESULTS
  All course participants (N=30) completed a post-travel questionnaire within one week of sharing their experiences. Screening reflection essays for common themes that fulfill university core competencies yielded specific global health learning outcomes, including analysis of health care determinants.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Medical students successfully implemented a sustainable global health curriculum for preclinical student peers. Financial constraints, language, and organizational burdens limit student participation. In future, long-term studies should analyze career impact and benefits to the host country.
authors.affiliation: Office of Student Affairs and Medical Education, Chicago Medical School and Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, North Chicago, IL, USA.
authors.forename: Nirali
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Vora
authors.forename: Mina
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Chang
authors.forename: Hemang
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Pandya
authors.forename: Aliya
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Hasham
authors.forename: Cathy
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Lazarus
mesh_terms: D002755:Choice Behavior; D003479:Curriculum; D005260:Female; D014943:Global Health; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D013337:Students, Medical; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014481:United States