Global Medical Education and Research Program

We provide logistical support for the University of Minnesota Medical School's Global Medical Education and Research Program that educates students through global medical experiences around the world. 

The University of Minnesota Global Medical Education and Research (GMER) Program promotes an exchange of international educational, research, and other scholarly opportunities for medical students. Over 440 medical students have participated in the program through an immersive experience in a research or clinical setting in different countries around the world.

 

 

 

Global Medical Education and Research Program Spotlight

But it was I who was changed, who felt different as I turned my gaze from the skyline of hills for the last time.

Ada Breitenbucher, a fourth-year student at the University of Minnesota’s Medical School, participated in the Global Medical Education and Research Program in 2019. She shared her experiences while participating in the program at her chosen international site: Kampala, Uganda.

Read New Beginnings, New Endings

 

As our world’s future medical doctors, GMER students gain an immersive and socially responsible experience with one of our partner sites. 

By the end of the rotation in the GMER Program, students are able to:

  • Experience the practice of medicine in a resource-limited setting.
  • Develop skills in physical examination and history taking.
  • Learn about diseases commonly seen in other parts of the world.
  • Develop cultural humility in providing patient care and professional interactions.
  • Recognize the privilege of participating in health care with colleagues and patients from another county.
  • Learn to manage stress in a culture and professional environment different from one's own.
  • Demonstrate personal and professional responsibility in a global setting.
  • Conceptualize the challenge of restoring global health equity.
  • Experience career opportunities in global health.

Learn more about the Global Medical Education and Research Program

 

 

A woman stands in front of a background of mountains

"I had the opportunity to study abroad in San José, Costa Rica during the spring semester of my 4th year of medical school. It was an amazing experience. I learned a lot about Costa Rica, improved in my ability to communicate in Spanish, and grew a lot as a person as I immersed myself in a new culture."

Danielle Brewer
Medical Student, University of Minnesota
GMER Site: Universidad de Ciencias Médicas (UCIMED), San José, Costa Rica

 

 

Global Medical Education and Research Around the World

The GMER Program is a bi-directional exchange of students between the University of Minnesota and partner organizations within developing and developed countries. 

Students are encouraged to plan their global health experience at one of GMER's partner sites. As part of the planning process, the GMER office offers assistance in identifying training sites based on the student's personal goals. If a student is interested in a non-affiliated site, Course Director approval is required. 

GMER affiliated partner sites include:

  • Arusha, Tanzania - Selian Lutheran Hospital (8 week minimum stay required)
  • Kampala, Uganda - Mulago Hospital, Makerere University
  • Bangalore, India - St. John's Medical College
  • Tiberias, Israel - Poriya Hospital
  • Tokyo, Japan - Juntendo University
  • Tokyo, Japan - Keio University
  • Seoul, Korea - Seoul National University, College of Medicine
  • Chiang Mai, Thailand – Chiang Mai University
  • Thailand - Mahidol University
  • Galway, Ireland - The National University of Ireland
  • Stockholm, Sweden - Karolinska Institute
  • San José, Costa Rica - Universidad de Ciencias Medicas
  • Santiago, Chile - Pontificia Universidad Catolica de Chile
  • Mexico City, Mexico - Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México

Students may obtain credit toward completion of the requirements for the M.D. degree by supervised, structured, approved global clinical or research experiences. These experiences must be approved in advance through the Global Medical Education and Research (GMER) Program Office.

GMER also supports faculty members engaged in medical education and research abroad.

Learn more about the Global Medical Education and Research Program's affiliated sites

 

 

"After the experience I feel incredibly comfortable interviewing, evaluating, and conversing with patients in Spanish and am comfortable with my deficiencies in presenting patients and seeking consults. My time at Hospital Juarez felt like an incredibly special and privileged opportunity, and even in the few weeks I spent there I made many new friends and colleagues that I hope will continue to be a part of my life for many years to come."

Lanre Adekola
Medical Student, University of Minnesota
GMER Site: Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Mexico City

2 men in white coats pose for a photo

 

GMER's Student Travel Awards

GMER Student Travel Awards were created through endowments established by faculty and institutions to encourage medical students to seek educational experiences in global health and to help enable medical students to study in another country and healthcare setting.

Eligibility Criteria

  • Must be a current University of Minnesota Medical Student traveling for credit during their 4th year of medical school
  • Must be in good academic standing
  • Must be at the selected site for a minimum of 4 weeks to receive funding and academic credit

Student Travel Awards

  • Drs. Neal and Sarah Gault International Study Scholarship Fund 
  • James H. and Carol E. Moller Scholarship for Medical Students 
  • Maynard and Elaine Jacobson Scholarship for International Medical Studies 
  • Paul G. and Elisabeth H. Quie International Child Health Fund 
  • Korean International Medical Education and Research Fund 
  • Scheffler International Medical Mission Trip Award 
  • Phi Delta Epsilon Jewish Medical Fraternity Fund

Student Travel Award Applications

Applications will be accepted through August 15th each year and students will be notified via email by the end of August.  Amount of travel awards depends on funds available and the volume of applicants each year. Please note that due to COVID-19, the travel award deadline will be extended into the fall semester for the 2020-2021 academic year.

More information on the Student Travel Awards