International medical electives for medical students at a German university: a secondary analysis of longitudinal data. Issue 5 (3rd March 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Weigel, Ralf; Wiegand, Lara; Balzereit, Stefanie; Galatsch, Michael
• Is Part Of: International health. Volume 13:Issue 5(2021)
• Page Start: 485
• Page End: 487
• Publication Date: 2021-03-03
• Subjects: global health -- medical education -- medical students; World health -- Periodicals; Public health -- Developing countries -- Periodicals; Medical care -- Developing countries -- Periodicals; Medical policy -- Developing countries -- Periodicals; 362.1091724
• DOI: 10.1093/inthealth/ihab009
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1876-3413

Abstract

Abstract: Background: International medical electives (IMEs) are entry points to global health opportunities. IME uptake at German universities is unclear. We analyse 14 y of IME. Methods: Student registry data were collected. Univariate linear regression examined relationships between enrolment year and IMEs. Results: The median (IQR) number of IMEs of all enrolment years was 54 (32–80) and 51 (38–67)% of all students took an IME. Enrolment year significantly predicted IME frequency and the proportion of students taking IMEs. Conclusions: Student interest in IMEs is increasing. Universities should invest more broadly in IME opportunities for student, faculty and university enrichment.