FAQ


For Penn Med Students...

How do I set up a meeting for advice regarding my global health interests?

Begin by carefully reviewing the information on this website and preparing your specific questions.  Email CGH to request a meeting and provide a few dates and times when you are available.

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Can I get credit for my global health experience?

Global Away Rotations

Students can receive credit towards graduation for their away clinical rotation. To get credit students must register with the Registrar via an Arranged Activity form. Please copy the rotation description/objectives and paste into the description box.  Once the form has been submitted, please upload your acceptance notification – click the View/Upload Documents > choose ‘away acceptance’ from the document type drop down box. Documentation is needed before you begin the rotation in order for us to cover you for professional liability insurance.

Students must also download the evaluation form on the Global Health Experience Procedures section of the CGH website. Then at the end of the rotation each student must have the evaluation completed and sent to CGH. CGH will forward this evaluation to the registrar.

Summer Research Experience

Students can also have their summer research experience added to their transcript if you submit a registration form and if we receive a performance evaluation from your mentor/supervisor. However, your summer experience will not count towards your graduation requirements (elective and scholarly pursuit credits must be earned after Core 2). To register:

  • Login via my.med  
  • Select Arranged Activities
  • Review the instructions which pertain to you (Elective Research vs Global Health Experience)
  • Select Register an Arranged Activity
  • Submit form
  • Click Print Form, have your mentor/supervisor sign the form and upload it to your AA submission.

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CGH requires a six-week commitment for funding. Is an exception possible?

CGH requires that a student be in a location working full-time on a project for a minimum of six weeks. The ONLY exception is for clinical rotations where the Partner only offers 4 week rotations.

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Am I limited to global health experiences presented on your website?

No, you are welcome to explore other opportunities that meet the requirements of CGH with respect to location, length, and relevance.  Clinical experiences require CGH approval before you proceed to make arrangements. 

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Do I need to submit a Registration Form if I am not getting funding from CGH?

Yes, all global health-relevant travel must be registered. In addition to being a professional obligation, CGH works in coordination with the Registrar to file your global health travel on your official record.

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Does my personal health insurance cover me while I am traveling?

You are automatically enrolled in travel medical insurance with ISOS provided by Penn when you register your trip in MyTrips.

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Should I purchase emergency evacuation insurance?

No. On a complimentary basis, the University of Pennsylvania provides emergency (medical and security) evacuation insurance via International SOS for University-related travel.  For coverage, complete the Registration Form, including the entire checklist.

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I made arrangements with my mentor via telephone. Do I need documentation in writing?

Yes, we cannot process your forms without official documentation from your host-country mentor or supervisor.  Documentation should be sent by the mentor on official stationery or from an organizational email address and must include specific dates and responsibilities.

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For a Global Health Certificate, do I need to take PUBH519 Issues in Global Health if I have already completed similar courses?

To request a waiver of PUBH519, please submit a transcript and syllabus documenting that the course or courses cover all the material in the PUBH519 to Megan Doherty.

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CGH funding is not sufficient to cover all costs of my global health experience. Am I permitted to get additional funding from outside organizations?

This is permitted if the outside organization is not included on our funding page and if they do not restrict funds in a conflicting way.  Funding from more than one SOM or Penn entity is not permitted. 

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When will I get my airfare reimbursement?

We require that you submit all registration materials at least six weeks in advance to allow for unforeseen delays.  Once CGH has received your registration materials in full, you will receive an email with personalized instructions for completing an expense report via Concur.

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After return from travel, how do I get my Post-travel Reimbursement?

After CGH has received your Report/Questionnaire, you will receive an email with personalized instructions for completing the expense report via Concur.

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For International Students...

May I apply independently if I am from one of the listed affiliated medical schools?

No, students may only apply with and be selected by the representative designated in the affiliated institutions above.   We cannot accept independent applications given the limited availability of openings in each elective.

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Am I eligible to apply if I am a US citizen attending an unaffiliated medical school?

Unfortunately, US citizenship does not determine eligibility.  Eligibility is limited to students attending affiliated institutions.

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If my medical school is not affiliated with Penn, can we set up an exchange agreement?

At this time the Center for Global Health is not establishing new exchange agreements.

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Do I need to obtain a special identification (ID) card to participate in clinical electives?

Each elective site has its own identification requirements.  When you report to your assigned elective, you will be instructed on how to obtain identification, if required.  In addition, you may opt to obtain a PennCard. 

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I understand that the maximum number of clinical electives is two. However, if I return at another time, may I register for an additional elective or two?

No, the maximum of two is applied to the sum of clinical electives any individual student takes at Penn at any time. The clinical elective experience for students from international medical schools is intended to provide exposure to a new health care and educational system. It is not meant to substitute for the requirements of a student's home medical school. As clinical elective slots are extremely limited, strict adherence to this restriction is mandated.

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How is a PennCard useful?

The PennCard is the official University of Pennsylvania identification card for students, faculty, staff, and other members of the Penn community. The PennCard is also used for many activities including building access, recreation, and library services.

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Do I need to obtain a special identification (ID) card for my research assignment?

Yes, students with research assignments are required to have a PennCard. 

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How do I obtain a PennCard?

The Center for Global Health will apply for your PennCard. You will then receive an email to schedule an appointment with the PennCard Center. You will bring a photo ID (e.g. passport, student ID card, driver's license) to this appointment. Your card will be issued while you wait. The PennCard is provided to you at no charge.

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How many days in advance of my assignment start date should I arrive?

You should plan your travel and housing accommodations according to your own discretion/comfort level.  Any administrative issues that may arise can be addressed during the first week of your assignment.

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How can I contact my course director prior to the start of my clinical elective?

Students should only contact their course directors or coordinators if specifically instructed to do so in the reporting details that accompanied the elective assignment provided CGH.  Otherwise, students are strongly discouraged from contacting the hosting department.

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If I am interested in a clinical elective not listed on the CGH application form, should I try to find the course director and ask for permission to enroll?

No, you must NOT contact any department's course director, physician, or administrator unless specifically authorized to do so. Failure to comply can result in a total rejection of your application.

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Am I eligible to participate in clinical assignments after graduation from my home institution?

No, you must be in active medical student status for the entire duration of your assignment at Penn and must be returning for completion of your studies at your home institution.

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Am I eligible to participate in research assignments after graduation from my home institution?

The research assignments arranged through CGH are generally intended for medical students who will return to their home institution to complete medical school.

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How can I improve the likelihood of being placed for a research assignment?

We require a minimum commitment of two months for research assignments.  You are more likely to be placed if you can be available for a longer period (up to 6 months).

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Is it possible to obtain a research assignment longer than 6 months duration?

No. The maximum research assignment is 6 months long. This cannot be extended under any circumstances.

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