SOM Preclinical Preceptorships
 

Course Title
International Health Preclinical Preceptorship
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. Travel to areas in which a US Department of State Bureau of Consular Affairs Travel Warning is in effect will not be allowed.
Responsible Faculty Director:
Matthew Dacso, MD, MSc
Other Faculty:
Available Dates
• 4-week block: 4/22/2024 - 5/17/2024
• 4-week block: 5/20/2024 - 6/14/2024
• 8-week block: 4/22/2024 - 6/14/2024
Application Submission Deadline
2/19/2024
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. 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. Compare and contrast health care delivery systems in community health centers in the U.S. with under-developed countries. 4. Explore the effects of environmental and socio-economic issues on the health of a population; e.g. water, sewage, disposal, mosquito control, local economy. 5. Develop cultural awareness and sensitivity. 6. Gain a broad view of and concern for world health issues. 7. Focus on primary care/community-oriented care issues. 8. Learn about the benefits of primary care training for careers in International Health and Community Health.

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 primary health care services, to include work with family physicians, nurse practitioners, and local health promoters. 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 a project incorporating the student’s experiences from and observations of the setting. 4. Upon return to UTMB, participate in an optional debriefing session, submit a reflection survey, prepare a scientific abstract, and present a poster presentation at the annual UTMB Global Health Education symposium.

Method of student evaluation
Check all that apply - complete appropriate section(s) only:
1.  Clinical Observation
  A. Frequency - How often are students observed clinically?
    Daily
  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 designated faculty.
  B. Frequency / duration of presentation(s)?
    The frequency of student presentations varies. At minimum the student will present at least 1 presentation per week.
  C. Format - What guidelines are set for the student's presentation?
    History and physical, general case presentations
  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 at the end of their rotation.
  B. Format - What guidelines are set for the student's written work?
    Standard 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.?
    UTMB Field Sites-content is mentor assigned. Non-UTMB field sites is student-selected but mentor approved.
  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 UTMB Global Health Education Symposium in October.

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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