Overseas Elective for Medical Students
The department's overseas elective, Health Care in Developing Countries, was initiated in 1980 by the Chairman, Dr. Pascal James Imperato, who has been its course director throughout its history. The academic year, 2004-2005, marks the twenty-fifth anniversary of this program. The objectives of this elective are to provide fourth year students with an opportunity to observe and study the structure and functions of a health care delivery system, or some aspects thereof, in a developing country, to be of service to disadvantaged populations in a third world country, and to have a cross-cultural experience.
As of 2005-2006, some 240 students have participated in this elective in some 26 countries in Africa, Asia, Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Oceania. Most have spent six to eight weeks at overseas sites arranged by the course director. The program at Downstate is one of the largest and most successful in the country. Some of its procedures and practices have been adopted by a number of other medical school programs, and by the International Health Medical Educational Consortium (IHMEC).
Admission to this elective is highly competitive. Annually, some 40 students compete for approximately twenty places. The admission process includes an examination of the academic record to date, a personal interview with a member of the Departmental Elective Screening Committee, and reference checking with faculty familiar with applicants. Students who have a commitment to a career in preventive medicine, public health, or primary care are given preference. Each student admitted is carefully advised by the course director, who also arranges the overseas placement.
Our program has always had stringent policies and procedures regarding selection of overseas sites and health maintenance. Students are not permitted to travel to countries which the Department of State considers risky. Country-specific information is regularly updated from the Department of State, and in certain instances, the department speaks directly with the country-specific desk officer at the State Department. In addition, the department regularly updates local conditions through contact with in-country preceptors, some of whom have collaborated with us for many years.
Financial Assistance for the Overseas Elective
In 1998, Dr. Joshua H. Weiner, a graduate of the Class of 1941, read of the overseas elective. Having spent time studying tropical medicine in Puerto Rico in his senior year, he expressed a desire to financially support the program. In early 1999, Dr. Weiner donated a significant sum to the Alumni Fund of the College of Medicine to help defray the travel expenses of students participating in the elective. The Alumni Fund has regularly provided additional stipends to students to help defray costs, especially through the Dr. Michael and Lona B. Kennéy Memorial Fund. The department has also received financial support for the elective from the LSK Foundation.
Medical students may apply for Health Care in Developing Countries in the Fall of their third year. An application.pdf form is available and guidelines are provided below.
