DUB article on International Medical Electives by Global Health researcher Judith van de Kamp

Judith van de Kamp, medical anthropologist and assistant professor of Global Health Education at the Julius Center for Health Sciences at UMC Utrecht, recently wrote an article for DUB about the intricacies of International Medical Electives (IME). While these electives, or internships, are highly popular and might have added value for the students participating in them, they also bring along potential dilemma's and risks. Judith van de Kamp does research into the downsides and how to improve the process of these internships. In the DUB article she describes her findings and views on the matter.

Van de Kamp started her research at the University of Amsterdam by focusing on the micro-level. Now, at the UMCU, she also focuses on the meso-level, the role of the institution. She aims to answer questions such as: how can we implement a responsible foreign internship-program? In her research she found that the risks differ per field, but they can often evolve around a lack of knowledge on the different socio-economic backgrounds or specific (colonial) history that shapes the relationships.

This can sometimes lead to a "hero complex" in which the student tries to apply the method that they learned in the Netherlands in the context of the host country, convinced it is a better way, without knowing whether or not it goes with the local practice.

It is therefore up to the universities to offer an international elective program that facilitates responsible electives. This includes a pre-departure training for the students, but it’s also about the interaction with people at the host hospitals. The goal is to work towards equity and reciprocity. To this end, collaboration agreements are made with foreign universities and they engage in conversation to find out what is important for those involved. To ensure a fitting approach, van de Kamp highlights the value of input of collaboration partners and can proudly say that partnerships with three hospitals were recently established. Continuous efforts are required to maintain and strengthen these partnerships, and extend these efforts to other institutions. This way, UMC Utrecht facilitates both student learning and institutional learning while living up to the values of reciprocity and equity.