Since 2006, the Asia Pacific Rim Development Program, in conjunction with the College of Medicine and the Office of International Health and Medical Education, has worked to send senior medical students to universities and health facilities in China. (More information on exchange programs)
Students perform clinical rotations at either Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine or Tongji University School of Medicine, both of which are in Shanghai. The focus of the clinical elective to Shanghai is to learn about the differences between the health care systems of the US and China.
In any given year the number of students going to China will fluctuate, but usually UNMC sends six to twelve medical students for up to four-week exchange trips.
In late January, two students from UNMC’s College of Medicine will travel to Shanghai to study at clinics affiliated with the Tongji University School of Medicine.
One of them, Rachel Watson, kindly took the time to answer my questions about her upcoming trip to Shanghai.
Why did you apply to participate in this program?
I chose to apply to participate in this program because I love traveling and learning about other cultures. I am very interested in seeing how healthcare is practiced in Shanghai, and learning about the similarities and differences between the healthcare in the United States and China.
What do you hope to get out of this exchange?
I hope to meet a lot of interesting people, learn about the healthcare system in Shanghai, and learn the differences between Chinese and US medical education.
How do you see this exchange program benefiting you in your career as a doctor?
I hope to bring back knowledge of new ways to practice healthcare that could benefit my patients. I think it is important to have exposure to a variety of perspectives on patient care, medical billing, and the role a physician plays in the community.
What are you most excited about?
The food! And traveling halfway across the world.
What are you most concerned about?
That I will get lost—Shanghai is very large!
What other international experiences do you have?
I have traveled to Europe, India, and South Africa.