Local and International Underserved Electives

Stritch School of Medicine M4 students in good academic standing are eligible for 4-8 weeks of credit through Local and International Underserved Electives supported by the CCGH. These electives DO NOT count toward a student's external elective credits, involve a formal process of application, and are of two types: Intramural and External. 

Application Process

Interested students must attend the relevant information meeting offered by the CCGH during the Spring of M3 year to learn more about application procedures and timeline, which may vary each year. Generally, however, the deadline for intramural elective slot reservation is in July and external electives in October, though certain sites may require submission of specific documents sooner.

Grading

All international electives are graded according to the official grading system (Pass/Fail). A student's on-site supervisor provides written feedback on elective performance and successful completion of elective requirements, adding comments related to the student's skill development, professional attitude, demonstrated competencies, and any other criteria specified to be met during the elective. Accepted students must pick up a paper grade evaluation from the CCGH prior to their departure and submit to the CCGH immediately upon return from the elective or risk not receiving a grade and graduating on time.

Orientation

All students who are approved to participate in international electives are also required to participate in a mandatory orientation program held by the CCGH, typically in January. For students whose electives are earlier than January, the CCGH offers individualized predeparture orientation. All students are also required to complete a two- to three-hour online short course in advance of their CCGH orientation.

Funding

Funding for intramural electives and some external electives may be available in the form of reimbursement. Additional information regarding funding is made available to students upon enrollment in their intramural or external elective. The amounts awarded will vary based on the number of students participating in international electives in any given year and will not full cover the expense of the electives. Students must anticipate paying for a portion of their expenses.

Intramural Electives

Intramural Electives exist at health care sites with long-standing relationships with CCGH and other Loyola faculty. The electives are coordinated closely with the CCGH, with students being supervised by local attending physicians The following sites welcome students to join their communities and learn alongside local health practitioners over a 4-week rotation:

External Electives

External, or Individually Designed, Electives are local or international elective opportunities that do not have a formal affiliation or partnership with the CCGH. Students interested in enrolling in electives not in the CCGH Course Catalog, may apply for 4-8 weeks of elective credit through CCGH-499. Individually Designed Electives are approved by the CCGH on a case-by-case basis.  

To apply for an Individually Designed Elective:

  1. Plan early, allowing at least 6-month preparation time for approval, logistics planning, and agreements between institutions.
  2. Reflect on personal and professional goals for the elective and your career.
  3. Inform the CCGH with your elective interest.
  4. Find a site mentor/champion who will assist you in planning your clinical experience.
  5. Complete a CCGH-499 online application found in MyLUMEN no later than 3-months before the desired rotation start date.

Refer to "Planning Your Global Health Elective" on the University of Arizona website for a useful planning guide.

External Elective Examples