Purpose

International Visiting Medical Students (IVMS) was created with a goal to strengthen and further the mission of the UAB Heersink School of Medicine by connecting international students with our globally recognized and nationally ranked faculty.

Our program aims to help international students develop their skills in diagnostic and treatment knowledge; medical history taking; and physical examinations, as well as foster the development of positive professional attitudes. Upon completion of this program, visiting students will receive:

• Letter of completion
• An education of the current U.S. medical system as it is conducted at UAB
• An enhanced education experience, and diagnostic and treatment expertise
• Improved proficiency in English
• Career coaching and advisement

Eligibility

• You must be in the final year of training at your home school or you must have completed one year of core clerkship rotations.

• You must be actively enrolled in a program leading to the equivalent of an MD or DO. (Graduates are not eligible for this program.)

• You must have the approval of the administration of your home school to attend courses at UAB.

• You must provide a copy of your current transcript written in English or accompanied by an English translation.

• The maximum length of participation is eight (8) weeks.

• You must take one of the following TOEFL Tests passing with the following minimum scores:

  • iBT (internet-based) score of 100 with a minimum of 22 on the speaking section

  • Paper-based test score of 600

• TOEFL is waived only if English is your first language, or if your medical school teaches all classes and rotations in English. A document from your medical school administration must be uploaded stating English is the first language used. Good command of the English language will also be determined during the virtual online interview.

• We will only accept TOEFL scores that have been taken within a two (2) year period from the date that the application was submitted.

Course Catalogue

Please review our catalogue for available electives before submitting your application.

Application

Only completed applications will be reviewed. Please ensure you have the following required documents prepared. All documents except photo must be sent as a PDF:

• Curriculum vitae/resume

• Copy of your current official transcript

• Statement of Approval from Dean of Students

• Photo (only jpgs less than 250KB)

• Copy of the biographical information page of your passport

• Letter stating your purpose and reason of interest in the elective(s) you have chosen.

• Health Compliance Documentation (Student Health Form Acknowledging that you must receive medical clearance prior to training. More details/instructions about how to upload documentation will be sent in pre-matriculation email sent 8 weeks prior to start date.)

• TOEFL score of 100 with a minimum of 22 on the speaking section or waiver documentation.

• Elective preferences for 1 or 2 rotations based on availability in catalogue

You will need to submit your preferences to finalize your application.

All applications are reviewed by the committee to evaluate competitiveness. Only the most competitive applications will be scheduled for a virtual online interview. All applicants will receive either an acceptance or denial email. The decision by the committee is not reversable.

Payment of the non-refundable application fee does not guarantee acceptance in the program.

Selection for interview does not guarantee acceptance into the program.

All communication is by direct email. Please be sure to include the correct email address.

Policies and Procedures

• The same rules and regulations that apply to University of Alabama at Birmingham students apply to international visiting medical students. Your registration and continued participation in the program is contingent upon compliant behavior and academic performance. If your behavior or performance is substandard, you may be withdrawn from the program and required to return to your originating country. A refund will not be given to you if you have been administratively withdrawn due to substandard performance or behavior unbecoming of a physician.
• Only completed applications will be reviewed. All applications are reviewed by the committee to evaluate competitiveness. Only competitive applications will be scheduled for a virtual interview. All remaining applications will be notified of a decision of complete denial. The decision by the committee is not reversable. 

All communication is by direct email. Please be sure to include the correct email address.

• No credit is received from UAB Heersink School of Medicine for clinical electives.
• Changes to your assigned elective, after paying the course fees, will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis based on elective availability and administrative fees applies.
• UAB International Medical Education follows the advice of the U.S. Department of State and Foreign Affairs Manual followed by the U.S. consulates and embassies (FAM) in recommending that students participating in the IVMS Program enter the United States on a B-1/B-2 Visa with passport stamp for B-1 (Business) per the U.S. Department of State and Foreign Affairs Manual - section - 9 FAM 402.2-5(E) (3) (U).
  
• The IVMS program has a strict policy for arriving and departing. Arrival is the Sunday before electives and departure is the Saturday at the end of the elective, before 11am. If you are leaving after Saturday at 11am, you will have to make and pay for your own local hotel arrangements.

IVMS Cancellation Policy

All cancellations must be received in writing by email toivms@uab.edu.

1. For cancellation of your elective more than 90 calendar days before the start date of the elective, only half of your course elective fee will be refunded, minus any administrative or financial processing fees.
2. For cancellation of your elective fewer than 90 calendar days before the start date of the elective, there will be no refund given ($0 - U.S.).
3. If you cancel more than 90 calendar days before the start date of the elective due to Visa refusal by US Embassy and you provide proper proof of registration and proof of refusal, there will be a full refund of the elective fee minus any administrative or financial processing fees. Please note: The inability to obtain a Visa appointment with the U.S. Embassy within time to receive Visa prior to elective start date does not qualify under this cancelation policy for Visa refusal.
4. The application fee of $300 (U.S.) is non-refundable.
5. Failure to respond to emails or complete pre-matriculation requirements at least two weeks prior to the start date will be considered a cancellation, and no refund will be given.
6. If you choose not to participate and drop out of the program, or we are notified of non-participation on or after the elective start date, no refund will be given.
7. If unacceptable behavior is exhibited by any student, we reserve the right to withdraw the student’s enrollment in the program with no refund given.

Fees

The application fee of $300* is non-refundable. Payment of a non-refundable application fee does not guarantee acceptance.

Cost per 4-week non-credit elective is $5,150*. This includes tuition, housing and transport to and from the airport (excludes travel to and from the U.S.). This cost is due upon acceptance into the International Visiting Medical Student program.

Payment can be made by a major credit card or wire transfer. 

Please note: Fees cannot be adjusted, and we do not offer scholarships.

*Cost of nonrefundable application fee and elective fee subject to change without prior notice

Insurance Coverage

Health Insurance

UAB requires all international visiting medical students to have medical health insurance. You may purchase UAB Student Health Insurance or provide your own. Non-UAB health insurance must be approved by UAB Student Health before arrival. If not approved, you will need to purchase UAB’s Health Insurance coverage before starting your course.

Note: Travel Policies do not satisfy this requirement.

Malpractice Insurance

Every international visiting medical student is automatically covered for mal-practice insurance of $3 million per aggregate year and $1 million per instance. This coverage is provided through UAB Professional Liability Trust Fund at no charge while you are enrolled in our program.

Housing

Housing is included in the course fee and provided by UAB International Medical Education. 

Each student will have a single bedroom with a full-sized bed and private bathroom.

Students will enjoy a furnished suite. Each suite has a fully-equipped kitchen with cookware, cups, dishes and eating utensils. It also has free high-speed Internet, washer / dryer and central heating and air conditioning.

Housing Amenities & Features:

• Controlled-access entry
• 24-hour fitness center
• Resort-style swimming pool
• Student study room
• 24-hour emergency maintenance

Within walking distance of the UAB Campus, restaurants and a major grocery store.

More information