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[Katalin Fabian]

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Subject: Intl Fellowships for Medical Education in U.S.

The American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) has provided
information regarding international fellowships in medical education. Given
the nature of CEEMAN-L, it is not likely that many list members will have
a direct interest in the fellowships. However, since such information is so
difficult to find, perhaps list members will know of colleagues who can
benefit from the information.

The Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG)
INTERNATIONAL FELLOWSHIPS IN MEDICAL EDUCATION

 A program for medical scholars from abroad to study medical education
 in the United States.

 In keeping with ECFMG's aim of promoting excellence in international
 medical education and the convergence of the goals and objectives of
 the Foreign Faculty Fellowship Program in the Basic Medical Sciences
 and the International Medical Scholars Program, a decision was made
 to consolidate the two programs into one program beginning with the
 1997 program year. The new program, International Fellowships in
 Medical Education (IFME), will continue to provide opportunities for
 faculty from schools of medicine outside the United States to study
 aspects of medical education in the United States that have the
 potential to improve medical education in their home country
 institutions and departments.

 THE PROGRAM
 Approximately 20 fellowships will be awarded annually. Mentoring will
 be provided by preceptors in U.S. basic and clinical science
 departments, and medical education departments. Eligible areas of
 study include: educational methodology; curriculum design; evaluation
 systems; medical school governance; and the development of basic and
 clinical science departments.

 Under this program, fellowships are not provided for any of the
 following: programs in basic or clinical research; degree-granting
 educational programs, programs that require tuition payments; tuition
 grants for short-term courses; specialty training in residency
 programs; or training solely in clinical procedures.

 ECFMG screens applications, matches approved candidates with
 appropriate U.S. faculty mentors, and provides formal recognition for
 the educational program upon its completion. Priorities and program
 emphasis may change periodically. Program priorities for the 1998-99
 program year will be announced in January 1998.

 ELIGIBILITY
 Candidates for this program must:

 - reside and work in their home countries at the time of application;
 - have a graduate or professional degree in medicine or in a basic
   medical science that is taught in a medical education setting, or a
   professional degree in public health;
 - have not less than three years of work experience in their chosen
   field in the home country following completion of their formal
   academic and clinical training;
 - hold an academic appointment as a faculty member in a school of
   medicine or postgraduate medical education institute;
 - have the ability to communicate effectively in the English
   language, as determined by a score acceptable to ECFMG on the Test
   of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), or by meeting other
   criteria acceptable to ECFMG;
 - have the endorsement of a home country medical school or
   postgraduate medical education institute for the proposed
   educational program, have a position to return to in the home
   country medical school upon completion of the fellowship.

 DURATION OF PROGRAMS
 The duration of the educational programs varies, depending on the
 approved program. Programs range in length from six months to one
 year. Fellowships are limited to a maximum stay of one year.

 HOME COUNTRY ENDORSEMENT
 Individual applications must have the endorsement of an institution
 in the home country that provides medical education and confers
 medical degrees. Endorsing institutions abroad may be schools of
 medicine or postgraduate medical institutes. Other qualified sponsors
 will be considered and requests will be reviewed and accepted on
 merit.

 Candidates and endorsing home country institutions are expected to
 certify that candidates will return to the institution of origin or
 to a position that has been designated for them upon their return.

 It is important to note that only one application can be accepted for
 review from each home country endorsing institution.

 UNITED STATES HOST INSTITUTIONS

 United States institutions that host fellows must have an academic
 administrative unit responsible for accepting fellows; must arrange
 their educational programs; and must ensure that appropriate
 supervision is provided. Host institutions are asked to submit a
 program plan for the fellow.

 Although most applications originate in the home country without a
 designated U.S. sponsor, the IFME accepts applications for which a
 U.S. institution has expressed interest in the candidate. However,
 all applications are subject to the same review process and require
 the same assurance regarding the availability of a position in the
 home country upon completion of the fellowship.

 APPLICATION PROCEDURE AND DEADLINE
 Applications are mailed in response to requests beginning in January
 of each program year. A complete application consists of three parts.
 Part I, completed by the candidate, and Part II, completed by the
 endorsing home country institution, must be submitted by the
 candidate directly to ECFMG by AUGUST 15. Part III of the application
 is sent by ECFMG to the U.S. host institution for completion after
 the candidate has been selected for an award.

 REFERENCE REPORTS
 Candidates are responsible for submitting Reference Report forms from
 two individuals chosen to provide references for the candidate. One
 of the references must be from the candidate's immediate supervisor.


 APPLICATION REVIEW PROCESS
 ECFMG staff screens applications for completeness and for basic
 eligibility of candidates. A Scientific Review Panel reviews eligible
 applications and makes recommendations for awards.

 In reviewing applications and making awards, consideration is given
 to the following:

 - professional qualifications of the candidate;
 - appropriateness of the educational program proposed by the
   candidate and the endorsing home country institution;
 - the home country endorsing institution's plans for utilizing the
   benefits of the fellowship to meet identified needs;
 - assessment of the overall value of the fellowship experience for
   the candidate, the home country institution, and the home country.

 FINANCIAL ALLOWANCES
 Fellowship allowances generally include a monthly stipend of $2,200;
 round trip economy class air fare for the fellow only; and travel to
 one scientific meeting in the U.S., as appropriate. In addition, the
 program provides health insurance for the fellow and accompanying
 family members. The only allowance for dependents is health insurance
 coverage.

 ORDERING A BOOKLET
 Students/graduates of foreign medical schools interested in applying
 for ECFMG certification should request a copy of the combined USMLE
 Bulletin of Information / ECFMG Information Booklet (Form 100-S).
 Applicants should be sure to obtain the most current information
 booklet and application form (that which pertains to the examination
 administration for which they plan to register). Information Booklet
 packets include an application for USMLE Step 1 and Step 2 and the
 ECFMG English test and are available from the following sources:

 In person:  Public Affairs Offices of United States Embassies and
             Consulates Overseas Educational Advising Centers

 By telephone: 215-386-5900^

 ^ Telephone requests for a single copy of the Information Booklet may
 be made 24 hours per day / 7 days per week. Calling during non ECFMG
 business hours (5 P.M. - 9 A.M. Eastern Time) or on Saturday or
 Sunday, when call volume is less, will greatly facilitate your
 request.

 CONTACT INFORMATION

 ECFMG/International Fellowships in Medical Education
 2401 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Suite 475
 Washington, DC
 Tel: (202) 293-9320
 Fax: (202) 457-0751
 Web Page: www.ecfmg.org

 or

 ECFMG
 3624 Market Street
 Philadelphia, PA 19104
 U.S.A.
 Tel:  215-386-5900 (If calling for other than an Information Booklet,
                    telephone assistance is available between 9 a.m.
                    and 5 p.m., Eastern Time, Monday through Friday.)

 Cable: EDCOUNCIL PHA
 Telex: 710-670-1020 (ECFMG PHA)
 Webpage: www.ecfmg.org


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