Norwegian Rural Internal Medicine

Norge teknisk-naturvitenskapelige universitet (NTNU) Trondheim, Norway/University of Tromso, Norway.

MED 9003

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

UND Faculty: David F. Schmitz, MD

Offered: To be arranged by UND faculty and NTNU or University of Tromso faculty

Objectives of the Elective

1. To build internal medicine core knowledge base by patient-centered learning in a rural Norwegian setting.
2. To learn the excitement and stimulation of the breadth of disease processes seen in a primary internal medicine practice in a rural Norwegian setting.
3. To understand critical elements of decision making for referrals out of the community in a rural Norwegian setting.
4. To gain additional exposure to pediatrics, orthopedics, and other non-internal medicine problems encountered "on call" in an internal medicine practice in rural Norway.

Instructional Activities

1. The student will function as a final student under very close supervision of full-time medical staff with graded responsibility. This would include evaluating, diagnosing, and treating assigned selected patients after consultation with the attending staff.
2. The student will take "Call" with the faculty member.
3. The student will attend and participate in Norwegian Continuing Medical Education conferences as available.
4. The student will continue self-study of multiple internal medicine topics, particularly prevalent in the rural Norwegian community selected for the student by the NTNU/Tromso faculty.
5. The student will make daily hospital and clinic visits.

Standards of Performance (Outcomes)

1. Adequate assessment and treatment modification for hospital and clinic patients.
2. Discussion of disease processes interactions in individual Norwegian patients with problems in several subspecialty and specialty disciplines.
3. Demonstration of an understanding of capabilities and limitations of resources in a rural Norwegian setting.
4. Good decision making and procedures so as to instill patient and staff confidence in the student.

Criteria for Grading

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

To arrive at a satisfactory recommendation the following must occur:

1. The student must give appropriate presentation of patients, including practicality of treatment plans.
2. The student must participate in clinic and hospital discussions to the best of his/her ability in the English language.
3. The student must demonstrate development of skill in basic procedures.
4. The student must instill patient perception of his/her competence and potential (as reported by the patient).
5. The student must demonstrate an understanding of national health care and an appreciation for the patient culture in Norway.
6. The student will submit to the UND Department of Community Medicine and to the Campus Dean's office a copy of the NTNU/Tromso preceptor evaluation letter.

Special Note

The vice Dean for Education, NTNU/Tromso, the Chairman 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.