Global and International Medical Education
at the College of Medicine

The College of Medicine is a leader in global health, medical care and medical education.  Faculty, housestaff and students have pioneered and participated in programs around the world: in Europe, Africa, the Americas, and elsewhere.  For example, programs such as Village Life Outreach and Shoulder to Shoulder, founded by UC faculty, provide a variety of opportunities for faculty and students to learn while improving the health of people in Africa and Central and South America.

In addition, as a nation of immigrants and in a time of rapid international travel, global health as a phenomenon is increasingly being experienced not only ‘across the border’ but ‘across the street,’  within our own neighborhoods and cities.  Here again UC COM faculty, residents and students have been pioneers and active participants through such programs as the Initiative for Poverty, Justice and Health Scholars’ Program, the Urban Health Project, and the Latino Health Collaborative. 

In 2009 the College established a Department of Medical Education.  The development of a formal structure to provide opportunities in global health and medical education to faculty, housestaff and students was one of the first challenges taken on by the new Department. 

As an educational institution, the College of Medicine encourages its researchers, teachers and learners to experience global health in all its dimensions, including working with our colleagues in the Global Child Health Program at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center. 

As the new integrated UC College of Medicine curriculum is developed, the principles and basic sciences of global health will be included among the required learning for all medical students.  Those interested in a richer exposure will have the opportunity to undertake more in-depth experiences ‘in the field,’ whether that field is located within Hamilton County, elsewhere in the United States, in one of the many already-existing international studies locations, or in an individually-designed project nearly anywhere in the world.  Educational exchange opportunities for faculty and students are also available. 

Enhanced Opportunities for Medical Students

Medical students interested in global health experiences – whether for credit, during break times or as part of a leave of absence - should discuss their plans with Dr. James Boex, Professor in the Department of Medical Education.  Dr. Boex is the College’s representative to the Global Health Education Consortium (GHEC) and is the faculty contact for the UC AMSA chapter’s Global Health Interest Group.  All medical students considering any type of international experience are urged to contact UC International for helpful information including information on possible financial support.

Exchange Program with Ludwig Maximillian University in Munich
The College of Medicine participates in an exchange program with the College of Medicine of Ludwig Maximillian University in Munich, Germany.  LMU is one of the largest and oldest medical research and care institutions in Western Europe.  Medical students from LMU may participate in UC COM courses and clerkships, and UC students may study in Munich.  There are also medical student research opportunities at LMU for students who do not speak German.  Students interested may contact either Dr. James Boex as indicated below or Dr. Kathy Wedig.

Fourth-Year Global & International Health Electives
There are two electives under which students seeking global or international medical education activities may register:

Family Medicine 06138

One is Family Medicine 060138, Global Health.  This is for students who wish to participate in Family Medicine's activities in Central America or Tanzania.  Students interested in this elective should contact its director, Dr. Christy O'Dea.

Medical Education 280179

This is the heading under which all fourth-year medical students seeking elective credit for global/international health activities must register (except for those registering for the activities sponsored by Family Medicine under their elective FAM 01638).  This elective has been created to provide a 'single point of entry' for students interested in global health elective activities and to facilitate and coordinate such activities on behalf of the College of Medicine.

Students seeking information on global and international medical education opportunities should contact Dr. James Boex, the elective director.  Since Dr. Boex is located off-campus for the 2012-2013 year, initial contact should be by email.  Those interested in applying for this elective for credit should be prepared to discuss (via telephone or skype) the proposed elective's setting, supervision, sponsorship, learning objectives and related topics.  A copy of the application form for this elective (required) can be requested from the elective director.