A student-initiated and student-facilitated international health elective for preclinical medical students.
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.
Vora
Nirali
N
Office of Student Affairs and Medical Education, Chicago Medical School and Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, North Chicago, IL, USA.
Chang
Mina
M
Pandya
Hemang
H
Hasham
Aliya
A
Lazarus
Cathy
C
D002755:Choice Behavior; D003479:Curriculum; D005260:Female; D014943:Global Health; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D013337:Students, Medical; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014481:United States