Medicine (MD)

As a Schulich School of Medicine student, there are many opportunities for you to develop your skills both in Canada and overseas. The opportunities offered through the International and Health Equity Learning (IHEL) program expose you to the core issues and ethical considerations of healthcare from a global perspective, provide experience with the realities of delivering healthcare in low-resource settings, and encourage you to contribute your time and effort towards local and international health causes. Our opportunities abroad are designed to help you grow personally and professionally, and develop the knowledge and skills that will assist you in becoming a global citizen. Learn more about the opportunities to see whether there is one that’s right for you.

The information provided on this website will get you started, but please contact our Office if we can answer any questions or discuss options with you. We look forward to hearing from you. Refer to the links below for available opportunities.

Pre-Clinical - Year 1 and 2

Students enrolled in Year 1 and Year 2 of the MD program may participate in an International Health Equity Learning (IHEL) experience. Students will be supported by the Internationalization Office and the Undergraduate Medical Education Office to arrange a non-credit elective at a recognized partner site that meets the student's learning objectives. Electives are a minimum of four weeks in duration.

  • Applications can be completed on the Year 1 & Year 2 Application page
  • Applications will open on October 21st and Close on December 2
  • Late applications are not accepted
  • Please ensure to review the opportunities available at each of our partner destinations prior to starting an application
  • Students can also source their own Pre-Clinical Placement abroad (see Independently-Organized Placements below).

Clinical - Year 4

Students enrolled in Year 4 of the MD program may participate in an International Health Equity Learning (IHEL) experience. Students will be supported by the Internationalization Office and the Undergraduate Medical Education Office to arrange a Clinical Science Elective at a recognized partner site that meets the student's learning objectives. Electives are a minimum of four weeks in duration.

  • Applications will open in April 2025 and close in May 2025.
  • Late applications will not be accepted
  • Please ensure to review the opportunities available at each of our partner destinations prior to starting an application

Research

The Summer Research Training Program (SRTP) is to encourage medical students to pursue their interests in medical research. SRTP enables first and second year medical students in Schulich Medicine & Dentistry to work under the supervision of a faculty member on a research project during the summer months, for one or two summers.

If you are interested in a research opportunity and would like to learn more please visit:

Summer Research Training Program (SRTP)

Independently-Organized Placements

If you would like to organize your own international learning opportunity and have it considered as an elective that is sanctioned by the Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, please apply via our Independently-Organized Placement form(Link to the new form). Your application will be reviewed by both the Internationalization Office and the UME Office. Applications must be submitted at least 90 days prior to your planned departure and late applications will not be accepted. You must also travel during times that are approved. Should you have questions about when you are able to travel, please contact the Internationalization Office for further information.