Residency Program

Global Health

International Medical Experience for Pediatric Residents

The Kansas University Department of Pediatrics supports the American Academy of Pediatrics motto that we are "dedicated to the health of all children." Recognizing that trainees who participate in international electives are more likely than their peers to report commitment to underserved populations, financial support is available for residents that wish to pursue these opportunities.

Financial Support

Up to $1,000 of cumulative financial support is available during the residency, with submission of receipts.

The department will also cover the cost of INMED's International Medicine Online Course.

Partner Organizations

Residents may choose to spend one week per year with Heart To Heart International or Medical Mission Foundation in one of the following locations: Haiti, Guatemala, or Belize. The opportunities through Heart To Heart International provide primary care experience as well as an opportunity to collaborate in public health research. The opportunities available through Medical Mission Foundation provide primary care and surgical experience and opportunity for collaboration with different departments within KUMC.

Travel to any country on the US State Department Travel Warning List is discouraged under the auspices of any KU (including KUMC) Program, and will be handled on a case by case basis. Trips to Haiti must be directly supervised by a faculty member from the KU Pediatrics.

Eligible Persons

First Year Pediatric Residents in their second six months of training or Second Year and Third Year Pediatric Residents are eligible. Residents must obtain a letter from the Residency Program Director stating that the resident is in good standing and that participation in an international health experience is approved.

Procedure

At least 3 months prior to the engagement, submit 1-page application to the Chair for review and approval. Please describe the relevance of the activity to professional and personal development. Residents will be responsible for internaional elective requirements applicable to an international activity.

Applicants should include:

• 1. The benefits of the training to the applicant
• 2. How the training will be applied at KUMED
• 3. How lessons learned from the training will be shared with colleagues and other learners
• 4. Plan for obtaining necessary vaccinations and/or medications prior to travel