Latino Medical Student Association--Northeast

GE/NMF Medical Scholars Program
The GE/NMF Medical Scholars Elective

Deadline: September 30, 2012

A key NMF initiative is mentored externships that focus on improving the educational experiences of minority medical students that can also increase access of underserved populations to quality healthcare delivery. The GE/NMF Medical Scholars Program enhances the knowledge skills and competencies of health professionals serving a diverse client population nationally and globally, provides a program model of mentored externship experiences for 4th year US minority medical students, and improves patient care in partner countries. GE/NMF Medical Scholars complete a two-month elective in Ghana or Uganda, which focuses on critical regional health care needs.

Ghana and Uganda Opportunities Available

This two-month clinical/public health elective is conducted in district hospitals, and focuses on critical health care issues such as HIV/AIDS, diabetes, tuberculosis, heart disease, cancer, and infant mortality. Prior to departure, scholars receive briefing materials. Upon arrival in the host country, they participate in a more intensive orientation session led by the Program Coordinator at which time they receive their specific site assignments.

Program Expectations:
While working with mentors, scholars have the opportunity to work at two sites. Each GE/NMF Scholar participant authors a report and PowerPoint presentation detailing their clinical findings and experiences. Weekly observational journals which focus on medical service and patient care is required. A team project, focusing on patient care and evaluation of equipment and institutional capacity in collaboration with district staff is also required. Students participate in a mid-term assessment, a culminating event that includes individual and team presentations (PowerPoint required), and an end-of-program assessment.

Duration of Program:
Ghana: March 22, 2012 to May 11, 2012 (subject to change)
Uganda: March 28, 2012 to May 14, 2012 (subject to change)

Eligibility Requirements:
To be eligible, candidates must be underrepresented minority students enrolled in their fourth-year at an accredited U.S. medical school (MD or DO). Candidates must demonstrate outstanding academic achievement as evidenced in academic transcripts, faculty evaluations, receipt of special academic or national medical society honors, fellowships, awards; leadership as indicated by active participation in international health, community-based activities or initiation of innovative projects; and potential for distinguished contributions to medicine as indicated by participation in research, publications or unique clerkships.

NMF may reserve one fellowship for a first or second year resident who has participated in the program in previous years.

Living Conditions:
Both Ghana and Uganda provide a great opportunity for those interested in healthcare in developing countries, in tropical medicine and/or community healthcare service. Former GE/NMF Scholars note the impact of the program on their lives particularly in their personal contact with diseases studied previously only in textbooks. Applicants should be prepared to work within the program guidelines and accept local living conditions including double occupancy hostel-type accommodations at some sites, local food traditions, periodic water shortages and electrical outages, spotty internet access, and adherence to precautions required of a tropical climate (mosquito nets, malaria prophylaxis, sunscreen). Scholars who bring laptops to complete course requirements can easily do so (at their own risk) as long as they also bring surge protectors. Each student will be loaned a cell phone during the program.

Some group social activities will be provided at the beginning, middle, and conclusion of the program. Students must be aware that the program allows for only limited travel. All students must participate in all program activities and depart from and to host country together.

Application and Selection Criteria:
Students must be nominated by their medical school deans. Each completed application must be accompanied by a letter of nomination that fully explains the candidate’s academic and leadership accomplishments during medical school, an official academic transcript, a curriculum vitae, and a personal 500-word statement in which the student discusses his/her motivation for a medical career and commitment to primary care, public or international health specialty. Applicants are ranked by the NMF International Advisory Board on the basis of medical school recommendations, personal statement, academic achievements, and personal interviews. Finalists may be interviewed by past GE/NMF Scholars who can provide valuable insight into living and working conditions of Ghana and Uganda.

For application materials please email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Number and Value of Awards:
Fourteen GE/NMF Scholars are chosen in addition to three alternates. Transportation, living expenses and a scholarship of $5000 per student is provided. All students must complete the full term of the program, submit academically acceptable program requirements, and participate in the mid-term and final evaluations.

Deadline: September 30, 2012 (tentative)

Scholar Notification: November 4, 2012 (tentative)

Melissa Brito
Program Coordinator
National Medical Fellowships, Inc.
347 Fifth Avenue, Suite. 510
New York, NY 10016

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