New Directory of Residencies With International Ties Can Connect Residents, Rotations Abroad

Medical students looking for family medicine residencies that offer international rotations now can turn to a new, online directory from the AAFP that describes 56 programs in 22 states.

Residencies listed on the "Residency Programs with International Rotations" Web page are grouped by state. Each entry includes a brief description of the program's international activities.

By clicking on the name of the residency, students will be directed to a page that provides detailed residency contact information; a description and location of the international program; and descriptions of the field experience participants can expect, didactic sessions offered, costs, level of faculty involvement and trip duration.

The international rotations are offered in countries in Central and South America, Africa, Asia, the Middle East, the Caribbean, and Western and Eastern Europe.

"Students' interest in international experience has become one of the multiple factors that may influence medical students' career choices," said Alexander Ivanov, the AAFP's international activities manager. In addition to medical students, family medicine residents and faculty also want access to reliable information on international health opportunities that can be updated easily, he said.

The AAFP Division of Medical Education compiled the directory after surveying residency programs in spring 2008. Information about the survey and the directory will be highlighted at the National Conference for Family Medicine Residents and Medical Students, July 30-Aug. 2 in Kansas City, Mo.