International Studies

KSOM students have the opportunity to complete an international clinical or research elective for academic credit during the clinical phases of the curriculum, or participate in a summer research fellowship after year 1 for which no credit is given. These experiences can be scheduled through the AAMC Visiting Student Learning Opportunities (VSLO) program, or arranged through established independent programs such as a non-profit organization. Language immersion programs do not qualify. International studies opportunities are approved by the Elective Review Committee with consideration of the ability of the host site to ensure the health and safety of the student, availability of emergency care, the possibility of natural disasters, political instability, exposure to disease, and the level and quality of the supervision and quality of the educational experience. The Elective Review Committee makes the final decision regarding approval of the electives.

 

Medical student visiting international institution.

  • AAMC Visiting Student Learning Opportunities (VSLO)

    Independent Programs*:
    •   USC Breman Global Health Immersion Fellowship
    •   Himalayan Health Exchange Program
    •   Floating Doctors
    •   Medics Away
    •   Armenian EyeCare Project

    *For these opportunities, the amount of elective credit granted may vary due to the variation in clinical time and would be determined by the Elective Review Committee.

  • Student Eligibility
    Students must be in good standing to be considered for international electives.  Students must be on track to complete the requirements of their current curricular phase in order to participate in an international studies experience. The Associate Dean for Student Affairs will make the final decision on student eligibility.

    USC Policy for International Student Travel
    All Keck School of Medicine student international travel must adhere to USC’s Policy for Student International Travel.  The policy addresses USC Health Insurance for student travelers, release forms, required health and safety information, and pre-trip orientations and preparation.

    Travel Restrictions
    Travel to countries with U.S. sanctions is prohibited and can only be undertaken after review by the Office of the General Counsel and with the approval of the Provost. The university Provost and/or the Vice President for Strategic and Global Initiatives may restrict University-related travel by medical students to destinations with U.S. Department of State (DOS) travel warnings, Center for Disease Control (CDC) warnings, or other indicators that might suggest conditions are unhealthy or particularly dangerous for travel; if the coordinating department or individual traveler still wishes to seek an exception to the restriction, they must contact Strategic and Global Initiatives so that the Vice President for Strategic and Global Initiatives can consult with other members of the USC community, and outside experts as needed, to determine if the University will allow the student to complete the elective, with the ultimate decision to be made by the Provost. Denials of proposed international electives can be appealed to the Provost.

    Funding
    Limited funding is available. The funding application is included in the International Elective Petition.

  • Application Process Clinical and Research Electives
    To receive academic credit for an international elective, you must complete the following steps. You should begin planning your trip at least four months in advance to allow yourself time to complete all of the preparation necessary for traveling and studying abroad.

    1.  Apply using the process outlined by the institution or program where you intend to complete your elective.
    2. Submit a completed International Elective Petition to medkeck@usc.edu for review by the Elective Review Committee at least 12 weeks in advanced of the desired start date of the elective.  If you are applying for a research elective, submit the approved Research Elective Petition along with your International Elective Petition.
      – If your host site is not a VSLO institution you must also submit a completed International Institution Verification.
      – To be considered for KSOM International Studies funding, be sure to complete question 4 on page 2 of the International Elective Petition.
    3. The Elective Advisor will coordinate review of the petition(s) with the Elective Review Committee. Please allow four weeks for the review process to be completed.

     

    Pre-Departure Requirements
    All students traveling internationally as part of a KSOM program must complete the following after acceptance to the relevant program and prior to international travel.

    1. Review the USC Policy for Student Travel Abroad and the USC Student Travel Abroad Student Handbook.
    2. Complete ALL instructions on Independent Student Travel Registration.
    3. Schedule International Travel Health Clinic appointment through USC Student Health. Appointments are scheduled through mySHR or by calling (213) 740-9355.
    4. Complete the Pre-Departure Training (Online): Optimizing short-term global health experiences.  Instructions will be sent to you by the Office of Student Affairs to schedule the training after your elective has been approved.
    5. Download and complete the International Studies Contact Form and return to the Office of Student Affairs at medstuaf@usc.edu.
    6. Download and complete the Global Health Programs Contact Form and return to the Office of Student Affairs at medstuaf@usc.edu.

     

    Post Departure and Return Requirements

    1. If you have been approved for funding, download and keep the Travel Expense Report with you while abroad. Record expenses and collect all corresponding receipts for submission upon return.
    2. Send the Student Performance Evaluation to your host institution.  Request the Student Performance Evaluation to be submitted by emailing the Elective Coordinator at medkeck@usc.edu. Be sure to follow up with the institution to ensure that it is completed and returned to the MD Registrar within four weeks of your elective end date.
    3. Complete the elective evaluation at the conclusion of of your experience.

     

    International Dean’s Research Scholar
    The Dean’s Research Scholar (DRS) program is an optional 5th year of medical school dedicated to research. Some students complete their DRS year internationally, and are held to both DRS and International Studies requirements. DRS applications must be submitted to the Elective Review Committee for additional approval.  The Medical Student Research Advisor will facilitate review of your approved DRS application by the Elective Review Committee.  DRS scholars completing all or part of their research year abroad must complete all of the pre-departure requirements as outlined above. To learn more about DRS, visit the DRS webpage.

     

    International Scholarly Project
    The Scholarly Project (SP) is part of the Keck School of Medicine of USC curriculum. All medical students must complete a SP in order to fulfill their graduation requirements. Students who plan to complete any portion of their SP internationally must adhere to both SP and International Studies requirements. The Medical Student Research Advisor will facilitate review of your approved Scholarly Project by the Elective Review Committee. Students must complete all of the pre-departure requirements as outlined above. To learn more about SP, visit the Medical Student Research webpage.

     

    Summer Research Fellowship
    International summer research fellowship experiences must adhere to both summer research and International Studies requirements. The Medical Student Research Advisor will facilitate review of your approved Summer Research Fellowship application by the Elective Review Committee.  Students must complete all of the pre-departure requirements as outlined above. For more information about the Summer Research Fellowship, visit the Medical Student Research webpage.

     

    International Studies Contacts
    Office of Student Affairs
    Anthony Tritto
    Director of Student Affairs
    anthony.tritto@med.usc.edu
    323-442-2553

    Taylor Paramo
    Post Clerkship Phase and Elective Advisor
    Department of Medical Education
    taylor.paramo@med.usc.edu
    323-442-1875

  • Emergency Information
    As part of the preparation for all international electives the host site must provide the student with information about the nearest local hospital at which to seek emergency care.

    In the event of an emergency or crisis that threatens immediate safety during travel abroad, USC students should call International SOS at +1 (215) 942-8226 and provide USC’s membership number 11BSGC000010 to receive on-the-ground support. Students may also call the Department of Public Safety (DPS) emergency line at +1 (213) 740-4321 for assistance.

    In addition, students have access to KSOM resources such as the needlestick hotline and USC Student Health 24/7. At any time during a US or international elective students can contact a student affairs dean 24/7 using the Deans-on-Call system.

    Emergency Numbers (dial from abroad)

    USC Student Health 24/7: 1-011-213 740-9355
    Dean’s On Call 24/7: 1-011-323-442-2553

    If students experience instances of questionable ethical behavior during their rotation which they are unable to reconcile personally, they are encouraged to contact their local supervisor, their Keck School of Medicine faculty advisor or a student affairs dean using the after-hours Deans-on-Call service as needed.

    International Student Health Insurance
    USC students are required to have sufficient health and accident insurance protection during international elective experiences. In order to ensure proper coverage, all students going abroad must enroll in either the USC Overseas Health Insurance Plan or the USC Student Health Insurance Plan (both of which include special health and emergency coverage by International SOS) for the time during which they are abroad. International SOS is a company that is on-call to provide worldwide assistance 24 hours a day. International SOS coverage includes referrals to physicians, dentists, psychologists, clinics, and hospitals; medical evacuation; repatriation; and a range of other services. Students receive an International SOS card prior to going overseas. A consultation and appropriate vaccinations are required and can be obtained at the USC Travel Clinic on the HSC campus. Students are advised of any additional immunization or precautions that are needed for travel to the area planned. See Pre-Departure Requirements above for additional information.