The practice of international medicine relies upon a core of knowledge that is essential for success in the field. Some courses already offer medical professionals a review of the diagnosis and treatment of “tropical” diseases, but rarely address the broader issues surrounding international health. Other courses touch of such issues, but are too lengthy in duration for students or practicing professionals to take advantage of.
This month INMED released the International Medicine Course, tailored to be a comprehensive and convenient preparation tool for international service. The course addresses four bodies of knowledge:
• International Health – Exploring the large-scale health issues and determinates of health for people in developing nations
• Diseases of Poverty – Focusing on those unique medical conditions that are most frequently associated with low income and encountered in developing nations
• Cross-Cultural Skills – Addressing how to adapt to living and working effectively in unfamiliar cultures
• Health Leadership – Detailing how health professionals can work in cooperation with communities to design and lead effective health systems.
Joe LeMaster, MD, MPH (London), was one of the course reviewers. Dr. LeMaster served in Nepal from 1990-2000, and today is an assistant professor of community & family medicine at the University of Missouri-Columbia. “INMED’s on-line international medicine course reviews content such as one would encounter in a Diploma of Tropical Medicine & Hygiene course. It also provides an excellent guide to cultural adaptation and developing local leadership. I have rarely encountered an educational tool that undertook such a broad agenda and did it so well. Those who give this course serious attention will be much better mentally prepared for their overseas medical experience. This is a ‘must see’ for the serious student of international medicine and faculty member, and I highly recommend it.”
Health professionals can receive Continuing Medical Education (CME, 15 hours) and Continuing Education Units (CEU) for taking the Course. Several medical mission sending agencies are requesting their personnel to take the Course as an orientation prior to embarking on medical missions service. All INMED International Medicine Certificate students will take the Course as a preparation for their international medicine elective.
Dr. David Tillema, the Baptist – Trinity Lutheran Legacy Foundation, and the Jack Hill Continuing Medical Education Foundation, provided generous funding for development of the Course. Please visit the INMED International Medicine Course.