Norwegian General Medicine Experience

Norwegian Technical and Scientific University (Norges teknisk-naturvitenskapelige universitet or NTNU) Trondheim, Norway, or University of Tromsø, Norway

MED 9001

Participating Faculty (Norway): To be named by NTNU or University of Tromsø

UND Faculty: David F. Schmitz, MD

Offered: To be determined by UND Faculty and Faculty of NTNU or University of Tromsø

Objectives of the Elective

1. To provide an opportunity for medical students in their fourth year to experience general medicine in a different country and continent.
2. To encourage international exchanges of medical information and techniques.
3. To provide students with an experience in alternatively funded delivery of medical services.
4. To provide an individual education plan, which may include working with Scandinavian people.
5. When appropriate, provide a brief internship at a family practice center, rural country practice, or urban practice center in or near Trondheim, Norway.

Instructional Activities

1. Individual readings from standard textbooks and specific articles to supplement Norwegian cultural experiences as directed by UND preceptor prior to travel to Norway.
2. In Norway, there will be daily participation in the clinic, hospital, and making home visits when appropriate. This will be directed by the NTNU/Tromsø preceptor. Attendance is mandatory.
3. Individual readings from standard textbooks and specific articles to supplement clinical material as directed by the NTNU/Tromsø preceptor.
4. Attendance during the first weeks in Norway at NTNU/Tromsø student orientation meetings and refresher course lectures at NTNU/Tromsø. Attendance at lectures is required.
5. At the end of the rotation (week 4) the student will participate in a preceptor-observed evaluation of a patient.

Standards of Performance (Outcomes)

1. The student will complete a four-week in-clinic rotation with a NTNU/Tromso faculty preceptor.
2. The student will attend all didactic lectures sponsored by the Faculty of Medicine related to the clinical rotation.

Criteria for Grading

Exchange students will be expected to participate in the research experience as though they were a final student at NTNU/Tromso. The evaluation system established by the NTNU/Tromsø faculty of Medicine has been deemed appropriate by UND School of Medicine & Health Sciences, and upon a letter of recommendation by NTNU/Tromsø faculty preceptor, a final elective grade will be granted by the UND Department of Community Medicine.

To arrive at a satisfactory recommendation for the research elective the following must occur:

1. The student must have a satisfactory rating or above provided in the letter to the student by the NTNU/Tromsø community preceptor.
2. The student must pass an observed history and physical at the end of the general medicine rotation at NTNU/Tromsø.
3. The student must demonstrate an understanding of national health care and an appreciation for the patient culture in Norway.
4. The student will submit to the UND Department of Community Medicine and to their Campus Dean's office a copy of the NTNU/Tromsø preceptor evaluation letter.

Special Note

The vice Dean for Education, NTNU/Tromsø and the chair of Community Medicine and the University of North Dakota will work together jointly in making this a positive growth experience for students interested in epidemiological research on an international scope.

This elective is arranged through a 1:1 communication with the NTNU/Tromso faculty members and the University of North Dakota School of Medicine & Health Sciences faculty members. General advice regarding housing, travel, and cultural issues can be answered through calling Linda Olson, Ed.D., Department of Community Medicine.