International Medicine Group
By Faraz Ahmad, MS 2 and Corey Bills, MS 2
Faraz Ahmad, MS 2 and Corey Bills, MS 2
A 1999 study published in The American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene documented that international health experiences had a profound impact on medical residents' attitudes and decisions toward health and care of immigrants and patients on public assistance. International health experiences are a valuable part of one's medical education; and for many the decision to take part in international opportunities stems from a desire to engage wholly in the field of medicine, especially in areas where barriers to basic health services exist. International opportunities also allow for an alternate perspective on clinical medicine and a chance to learn and witness diagnoses not commonly seen in the United States.
Built on the value and importance of international understanding, the Pritzker International Medicine Group (IMG) aims to encourage critical thinking about medicine and health in a global context and facilitate opportunities for students to engage in international health experiences throughout their four years.
This past year, IMG members have sought to foster interest in international medicine and support students work abroad during their time at Pritzker. We published a magazine called Globoscope, which featured articles by students on global health issues and experiences, and held lectures and panels on global health issues and international experiences. The Keith Edson Scholarship, administered by IMG members, provided funding to 26Pritzker students for international experiences. We have increased resources for international work and career mentorship available to students by building relationships with Pritzker alumni and hospital faculty. For example, through collaboration with the Medical and Biological Sciences Alumni Association, students met with two esteemed Pritzker alums - Dr. Donald Hopkins '66, the Associate Executive Director of Health Programs at the Carter Center, and Dr. John Benfield '55, a surgeon and an expert in international medical linguistics.
In January, 2007, leadership of the International Medicine Group will transfer to the first year class. We wish our classmates the best of success as they work to perpetuate and, we hope, augment our achievements over the past years.
