POLICY STATEMENT

University of Florida College of Medicine – Gainesville Campus

VISITING INTERNATIONAL MEDICAL STUDENTS

(December 2,  2004)

As a general rule, the College of Medicine has a policy of not accepting students from non-LCME approved medical schools for clerkships or electives because of concern that commitment to these students might detract from the educational experience of our students.  Nevertheless, if a faculty member has an intense personal reason to sponsor an international student for a unique elective, he or she may do so.  The following guidelines should be observed when planning such an elective:

• The visiting student must be in good academic standing in an international medical school.
• All requests for non-LCME students to participate in electives at the College of Medicine in Gainesville must be submitted in writing to Dr. Patrick Duff, Associate Dean for Student Affairs.  If the elective sponsor is not the the faculty member making the request, a letter of support from the actual sponsor must  accompany the request. In addition, the sponsor must submit a signed copy of the form, “Request to Observe Patient Care” and agree to assume responsibility for supervision of the student while he/she is working in the inpatient and outpatient facilities.
• The request for the elective should be accompanied by:

  a.         A current copy of the student’s curriculum vitae

  b.         Evaluation form from the international medical school—to be completed at the end of the elective by the elective sponsor and returned to the Dean of the student’s medical school.

c.         Letter of permission from the Dean of the student’s school

d.         Official transcript

e.         Student’s immunization record. The student must have documentation of immunity to measles, mumps, rubella, chicken pox, and hepatitis B.  The student must also have documentation of a negative screen (PPD or chest x-ray) for tuberculosis.

f.          Proof of personal health insurance

g.         Proof of malpractice insurance coverage (Selected students may be able to  purchase a short-term policy through the Benefits Office at the College of Medicine.)

h.         Proof of personal funding of at least $2000 U.S. dollars per month to cover living expenses, transportation, tuition and fees.

• The faculty sponsor is primarily responsible for assisting the international student in securing housing facilities during his/her stay.  If needed, the Office of Student Affairs will also assist the student in securing housing.
• Upon approval of the request for an elective, a letter of invitation and information packet will be issued to the student from the Office of Student Affairs.
• Once the student has submitted all necessary documentation, the Office of Student Affairs will issue an I-20 form to the student.  The student must then take the I-20 form to the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate and request an F-1 non-degree student visa.
• Upon arrival in the United States, the visiting student should:

a. Report to the Student Affairs Office at the College of Medicine and speak with Ms. Rygler.  A Registration Form for Non-Degree Seeking Students and an Add Sheet will be issued and must be signed by the College of Medicine Registrar.  The student must register for a minimum of 1 credit hour at a cost of approximately $800.

b. Complete compliance and HIPAA training in the Office of Medical Education, and sign the “Confidentiality Agreement” within five days of reporting for work.

c. Report to the Office of International Student Programs (Room 123, Grinter Hall, Main Campus).  That office will provide the student with a student ID number.

d. The student should then submit the signed registration form to the University Registrar’s Office in Criser Hall and pay his/her registration fee.

• After completion of his/her elective, the visiting student should sign out with the Office of Student Affairs.

All inquiries concerning electives for international medical students at the Jacksonville campus should be submitted to Dr. Frank Genuardi, Assistant Dean for Educational Affairs (904-244-5128, frank.genuardi@jax.ufl.edu).

Shadowing Requirements: Currently Established HSC Programs   (11/05/04)

*Students from LCME-approved medical schools.