INTERNATIONAL VISITING STUDENT APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

Students attending foreign medical schools may apply for a maximum of twelve weeks of electives at the associated hospitals of the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry.   Only final year medical students are eligible to participate in the electives program.  Please allow at least four months to plan and complete the application process.

Procedures for applying: There are two application processes that need to be completed and approved to participate in the electives at the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry.  Candidates must complete each phase of the University of Rochester Visiting Student Application Process and the New York State Department of Education State Board of Education Review Process.  Your failure to complete every phase of both application processes will result in your request to complete electives at the University of Rochester to be denied.

UNIVERISTY OF ROCHESTER PROCEDURES

Visiting Student Application

A complete application consists of the following:

  • A completed Visiting Student Application form
  • A letter of intent describing your interest in studying at the University of Rochester School of Medicine
  • A copy of your curriculum vitae
  • A letter of recommendation from your Dean or senior student affairs official
  • A completed Certificate of Good Standing with the institutional seal
  • Two letters of recommendation from Faculty members from your home institution
  • An official transcript from your home institution
  • A certificate (TOEFL or equivalent) proving proficiency in the English language
  • A completed confirmation form for J-1/F-1 visa application
  • A completed vaccination certificate (see enclosed memo for more information)
  • A $100 non-refundable deposit (in US funds) payable to the University of Rochester
  • Proof of malpractice insurance (Note:  If your home institution does not provide adequate malpractice coverage you will be required to purchase insurance)
  • Proof of Repatriation insurance.

NO ACTION WILL BE TAKEN ON THE APPLICATION UNTIL THE UNIVERSITY OF ROCHESTER RECEIVES THE $100 deposit in US funds.

  Religious Observance

In order to be in compliance with New York State Education Law 224-a, the University has adopted the following statement regarding respect for students’ religious beliefs. 

“As provided in New York Education Law Section 224-a, students who choose not to register for classes, attend classes or take exams on certain days because of their religious beliefs will be given an equivalent opportunity to register for classes or to make up the work requirements or exams they miss, without penalties or additional fees.”

If the requested accommodations in effect require or result in students not participating in required educational experiences, a review committee will be convened to evaluate the reasonableness of the requested accommodations and if granting such will substantially alter the depth and integrity of the educational requirements for the University of Rochester electives.

Please see the attached form if you will require religious observance accommodations. (Consent form on following pages)

 Areas of Interest

On the Visiting Student Application, indicate the specialty or subspecialty area(s) and the specific electives desired.  Be sure to indicate alternate choices, since not all electives are offered at all times.  Enrollment in most electives is limited, and priority is given to University of Rochester students first.  It is to your advantage to give alternate choices and send in the application as soon as possible.  The billing invoice and other materials will be sent to you.

Cost

A  $375 per week (US funds) fee will be charged for elective courses.  Certain elective courses have a minimum and maximum week time limit. The  $100 deposit will be credited toward the fees due. The total fee must be paid by check in US funds to the University of Rochester  at least 30 days prior to the start of elective(s). No refunds will be issued to withdraw or reschedule electives after the three week window.  In addition, refunds will not be given for U of R electives that are started and interrupted or terminated.

OTHER IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Housing

Please note that the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry does not provide travel, housing, or living expenses for international visiting students. You are responsible for finding your own housing for the duration of your stay. Housing inquires should be directed to the Residence Director, University Apartments, Towne House, 1325 Mt. Hope Avenue, Rochester, NY 14620. Telephone number: (585) 275-5824. Fax number: (585) 442-7941. Please be aware that the Housing Office at the University does not guarantee housing.

 

MEDICAL STUDENT HONOR CODE

The University of Rochester School of Medicine has implemented an Honor Code for medical students in the Class of 2008 and forward.  The honor code is designed to educate our community about professionalism and to deal with violations of these expectations while maintaining due process for students.  NOTE: The Honor Code exists in conjunction with other University, School of Medicine and Dentistry, and regulatory policies.  The Honor Code is not in lieu of, nor does it replace or supersede existing University, School of Medicine and Dentistry, and/or regulatory policies and procedures.  In addition, the Medical Student Promotions and Review Board (MSPRB) retains the right to review professionalism, behavioral and other student cases directly, (independent of the Honor Code process) where health and safety concerns exist and in instances, determined by the MSPRB, to be egregious violations of the Medical School’s professionalism standards.

All students considering participation in clinical electives at the University of Rochester must read and adhere to the professionalism standards described in the Student Honor Code. (LINK TO HONOR CODE).

 Miscellaneous

Questions, correspondence, and completed applications should be sent to the following:

University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry

Student Enrichment Programs

601 Elmwood Avenue, Box 601

Rochester, NY 14642 USA

Tel. (585) 275-4172 Fax: (585) 273-1016

E-Mail: mary_garner@urmc.rochester.edu

 

Technical Standards Policy

All applicants accepted to the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry must be able to meet the School’s technical standards. Students are asked to review the standards and to sign ad form certifying that you have read, understand, and are able to meet the standards. 

The School of Medicine is prepared to provide reasonable accommodations to students who are accepted by the School and who have physical and learning disabilities (e.g.: mobility impairments, chronic illnesses, dyslexia and other learning disabilities).  The University will review the information in order to determine whether a reasonable accommodation can be made.  The University reserves the right to reject any requests for accommodation, that in its judgment would involve the use of an intermediary that would in effect require a student to rely on someone else’s power of selection and observation, fundamentally alter the nature of the School’s educational program, lower academic standards, cause an undue hardship on the School, or endanger the safety of patients or others.

Questions should be directed to Dean Brenda D. Lee, at brenda_lee@urmc.rochester.edu  or (585) 275-5910.  ( Consent form on following pages)

NEW YORK STATE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT APPLICATION PROCEDURE

 Letter of Eligibility

All materials submitted to the New York State Education Department must be in English, and Accompanied by a $30 fee (in US funds) each letter of eligibility. The Office of Student Enrichment Programs will separately provide New York State with a letter confirming that you have been accepted for an elective sponsored by the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry.

The following materials should be submitted to the following address:

New York State Education Department

State Board of Medicine

Cultural Education Center

Empire State Plaza

Albany, NY 12230 USA 

You must write to the State Education Department, in English, indicating:

  • The teaching hospital (e.g., Strong Hospital, Park Ridge Hospital)
  • The dates of your elective(s) (maximum of twelve weeks)
  • The specialty area of the elective(s) (e.g., General Surgery, Internal Medicine)
  • Whether or not you have previously completed any elective (s) in New York State (If you have, name the hospital, dates, specialty, and supervising physician(s))

In addition, a letter from your home institution must be sent in English indicating:

  • Your matriculation status stating that you are currently enrolled and in good academic standing
  • Your expected date of graduation
  • Authorization by your school to undertake electives in New York State
  • That academic credit will be granted for the clerkship

 

 

 

TECHNICAL STANDARDS

 

If you have a temporary or long term disability or special need (e.g.: mobility impairments, chronic illnesses, dyslexia and other learning disabilities), the School of Medicine is prepared to provide reasonable accommodations to students who are accepted by the School and who have physical and learning disabilities.  The University

will review the information on the enclosed form in order to determine whether a reasonable accommodation can be made.  The University reserves the right to reject any requests for accommodations that, in it’s judgment would involve the use of an intermediary that would in effect require a student to rely on someone else’s power of selection and observation, fundamentally alter the nature of the School’s educational program, lower academic standards, cause and undue hardship on the School or endanger the safety of others.

 

We request your cooperation in completing the form below.  The University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry seeks this information to ascertain whether reasonable accommodations can be provided to facilitate the planning and coordinating of services for incoming students.  Any information you supply will be shared only with appropriate School officials to determine whether reasonable accommodations can be made and if so, to coordinate support services or accommodations for you.  Please complete the form and return it as indicated.

 

If you have any questions, please contact:

Mary Garner

Program Assistant for Student Enrichment Program

University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry

601 Elmwood Avenue, Box 601

Rochester, NY 14642

(585) 275-4172


An additional resource is Professor Sally Trafton, ADA Ombudsperson. As the Medical School’s Ombudsperson, Professor Trafton is a visible, yet neutral contact person who is available to explore questions and concerns students have regarding requesting and making accommodations.  You may contact her at (585) 275-2194.  Professor Trafton’s email address is sarah_trafton@urmc.rochester.edu

 

  If you have a disability or related special needs, do you anticipate the need for accommodations or support services?

_____ YES          _____ NO

 

If yes, please specify:

 

 

Describe the nature of the disability: (please include learning disabilities)

(If necessary, please continue on a separate piece of paper):

RELIGIOUS OBSERVANCES

 

If the requested accommodations in effect require or result in students not participating in required educational experiences, the Medical Student Promotions and Review Board will be convened to evaluate the reasonableness of the requested accommodations and if granting such will substantially alter the depth and integrity of the educational requirements for the University of Rochester medical students.

 

International Visiting Medical Students who anticipate absences from scheduled educational activities due to religious observances are required to provide written notification to the Student Enrichment Programs of the anticipated days they will be absent during the time of their scheduled electives.  Notification must be sent with the application packet.

 

This information will not be reviewed by the International Medicine Faculty advisory Committee and will in no way influence their recommendation for acceptance.

 

 

 

I anticipate I will be absent from classes for religious observances on the following dates:

 

 

 

 

 

Other information:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I have read and understand the above content.

 

 

 

Student Signature