SOM Preclinical Preceptorships
 

Course Title
Junior Field Preceptorship in Global Health
Course Number
INTL-1041
Duration/Weeks
4-8
Prerequisites: Successful completion of year 1 
      Additional Requirements: International electives require both (1) course director approval , AND (2) institution-level approval (fully approved Affiliation and Program Agreements).
Responsible Faculty Director:
Bindi Naik-Mathuria, MD
Other Faculty:
Available Dates
• 4-week block: May 19 - June 13, 2025
• 4-week block: June 16 - July 11, 2025
• 8-week block: May 19 - July 11, 2025
• 8-week note: only 6 weeks required
Application Submission Deadline
4/16/2025
Maximum Enrollment

Where and to whom the application should be submitted
 Students should contact Brad Brock at ba2brock@utmb.edu as soon as possible. There is a competitive application and interview process.

Goals & Objectives
 Goals: 1. To allow pre-clinical medical students with an interest in international health or working with underserved populations an opportunity to work in these environments, and to help prepare them for clinical and social experiences in these areas later in their education and work. 2. To expose the student to the principles of public health, epidemiology, and community health in underserved areas. 3. To expose students to conducting research in global settings. Objectives: 1. Learn how environmental, political and socio-economic issues affect the health of a population. 2. Learn basic epidemiological principles important in evaluating the health of a community. 3. Learn research skills, ex. public health surveys and focus groups, clinical outcomes and medical chart reviews. 4. Compare and contrast health care delivery systems in the U.S. with low-resource countries. 5. Explore the effects of environmental and socio-economic issues on the health of a population. 6. Develop cultural awareness and sensitivity. 7. Gain a broad view of and concern for world health issues.

Description of course activities
 1. Participation in preparatory activities including online modules on global health topics, project preparation and implementation, and meetings with mentors. 2. Travel to foreign location as approved by the course director. Participation in the delivery of health care services (at some sites). Activities may include: taking vital signs, giving immunizations, taking medical histories, observing providers performing exams and procedures, dispensing medications, assisting with community health programs, assisting with record keeping. 3. Engagement in research specific to each site, overseen by either UTMB faculty or local preceptors. 4. Upon return to UTMB, students will submit a narrative reflection, prepare a scientific abstract, and present a poster presentation- at a local conference during the following year.

Method of student evaluation
Check all that apply - complete appropriate section(s) only:
1.  Clinical Observation
  A. Frequency - How often are students observed clinically?
    Varies per site; some sites are research only
  B. Format - What method(s) are used to document the student's clinical performance?
    Daily oral feedback   End of period oral feedback   Written feedback   Other

2.  Oral Presentation
  A. Audience - To whom does the student present?
    The student will present directly to their local faculty.
  B. Frequency / duration of presentation(s)?
    Varies per site
  C. Format - What guidelines are set for the student's presentation?
    Varies per site
  D. Assessment - Who assesses the student's presentation performance?
    Self-assessment   Peer assessment   Faculty assessment
  E. Method of content selection
    Current cases   Student-selected topic   Assigned topic

3.  Written Assignment (H&P's, notes, papers, abstracts, etc.)
  A. Frequency of written assignment(s)?
    The students will have 1 written assignment due a few months after the preceptorship
  B. Format - What guidelines are set for the student's written work?
    Standard scientific abstract format
  C. Length of written assignment(s)?
    Abstract   Annotated bibliography   1 - 2 page paper   3+ page paper
  D. Are recent references required?
    Yes           No
  E. Method of content selection - e.g. student-selected, relate to cases, etc.?
    Approved by UTMB faculty and local preceptor
  F. Audience - Who assesses the student’s written performance?
    Peer Assessment     Faculty Assessment     Other

4.  Extra Course Activities
  What expectations do you have for the student to demonstrate participation in the course (e.g. small group activities, seminars, thoughtful questions, providing resources, journal club, etc.)?
    Prior to Departure: Students are expected to participate in preparation activities including group meetings on logistics, safety, and projects. Complete required online modules on global health topics and the academic skills building modules that cover designing, implementing, and disseminating a scholarly project. Participate in clinical rounds, case discussions; health education, and ongoing community or research projects of preceptor/mentor. Specific activities of the rotation will be decided between a faculty mentor and the student. Post-rotation requirements: Abstract, Reflection survey (optional debriefing meeting), Course evaluations, preceptor evaluation. Poster presentation at a local conference within the next year.

5.  Other Modes of Evaluation
  Please explain below.
  End of rotation evaluation by faculty preceptor(s) on the basis of participation, progress competence, and quality of final project.

 

6.  Stipend Availability
  Yes           No           Maybe

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