Office of Student Services

Visiting MD Students

The University of New Mexico School of Medicine welcomes visiting medical students to participate in final year elective clerkships. Clerkships for visiting students are coordinated by the Office of Student Services.

PROGRAM OVERVIEW AND REQUIREMENTS

The University of New Mexico School of Medicine requires all visiting to students to meet the same standards expected of our own students. Medical students from a US or Canadian Medical schools are eligible to participate in our program if they meet the following criteria, students must:

  • Be in the final year of medical school.

  • Be in good academic standing at his/her medical school.

  • Be enrolled in an LCME or AACOM accredited medical school.

  • Have completed core clinical clerkships in Family Practice, Internal Medicine, Obstetrics/Gynecology, Pediatrics, Neurology, Psychiatry and General Surgery.

  • Provide proof of a passing score on USMLE Step 1.

  • Provide proof of completed training in the prevention of transmission of blood-borne pathogens as specified by the Occupational Safety and Health Act.

  • Provide proof of liability insurance in the amount of $1 million per occurrence.

  • Complete a UNM provided Immunization Form.

  • Provide proof of personal health insurance coverage.

  • Submit a CV and letter of intent.

  • Submit a transcript

  • Meet individual departmental requirements.

Students from International Medical Schools may participate in our program. Students from "Off Shore" and Caribbean Schools are considered International Students regardless of citizenship. In addition to meeting the requirements for visiting students, international students must also:

  • Secure a University of New Mexico School of Medicine Faculty Sponsor and include a letter from this sponsor with the application. Student Services does not assist students in securing a sponsor.

  • Provide proof of proficiency in the English language

  •  International students must pay tuition for any rotations beyond their first four weeks. The amount is $1,749.50 per 4 week block. This amount is due after clerkship approval and no less than 30 days prior to the start of the clerkship.

Some departments have additional requirements other than those listed above. If you apply to one of these departments, you must also meet these supplemental requirements in order to be considered. If a department is not listed, only the basic requirements apply.

     OB-GYN

Proof of passing score on USMLE Step 1, 190 or higher

Must be a student at a US School (No International Students)

Phase II (Clerkship Year) GPA must be 3.0 or better on a 4.0 scale

 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs)

Do you accept International Medical Graduates (IMGs)?

No. The Office of Student Services does not coordinate experiences for IMGs. If you are an International Medical Graduate, obtained an MD or DO degree and have an US social security number, you may be able to coordinate an experience through UNM's Office of Graduate Medical Education.

 

How do I apply?

Application Process for students attending an LCME accredited school.

If you attend an LCME accredited school, you are required to apply using the Visiting Student Application System (VSAS). Click here to see if your school is LCME accredited.

The VSAS online application program is coordinated by the AAMC. We will not accept applications outside the system.

For information visit http://www.aamc.org/programs/vsas/

Application process for Osteopathic and International Students.

If you attend an osteopathic or international medical school, you must submit a completed paper application. Incomplete applications will not be processed. Applications must be submitted 45 days prior to requested start date.

To download a paper application packet, click here.

 

What dates can I apply for?

Students are eligible to apply for clerkships beginning in June and running through the following March. UNM students receive scheduling preference and visiting students will not be assigned to clerkships during April and May. Application must be submitted 45 days prior to requested start date.

We are currently accepting applications for rotations through March 2010. Applications for rotations beyond that date will not be accepted until April 2010.

 

When can I apply? When will you process applications?

In VSAS, students can apply beginning 4/1. Applications will be processed beginning 4/15. 

For paper applications, we will begin processing applications on 4/15. You may submit paper applications beginning 4/1. Applications received prior to 4/1 will be returned to the applicant.

Please keep the following in mind:

Applications must be received at least 45 days prior to the start date of the first requested clerkship. No exceptions.

Faxed applications are not accepted.

Incomplete applications and/or applications received within the 45 day window will be returned to the applicant.

It will normally takes 14-21 business days for an application to be processed.

An acceptance letter is sent only after approved clerkship assignments have been made and all required documents have been received.

 

What rotations are available?

Available clerkships are listed in the UNM Phase III Clerkship Catalog. Please read carefully. The catalog indicates whether visiting students are accepted for a rotation. Redacted information is also available in VSAS.

 

Can you confirm there are spots available for the rotation/dates I want?

Student Services is unable to confirm whether there are spots available for certain rotations and time. Please submit an application and a determination will be made at that time.

 

Are there any fees or tuition for this program?

Yes. All students must submit a $125 processing fee. If you are scheduled into a clerkship, this fee is non-refundable.

Visiting students are required to purchase Blood and Body Fluid/Needlestick Insurance to cover costs associated with treatment in the event of an academic-related exposure. Coverage is effective during the period of rotation at UNM. The cost is $30.

International students must pay tuition for any rotations beyond their first four weeks. The amount is $1,749.50 per 4 week block. This amount is due after clerkship approval and no less than 30 days prior to the start of the clerkship.

 

How many rotations can I complete?

Visiting students will be scheduled for a maximum of two rotations totaling no more than 8 weeks.

 

My clerkship dates don’t match up with UNM’s. What should I do?

We prefer that you complete rotations on UNM's schedule. If your blocks don't line up with ours there are many things you can do for the "off" weeks: Study for USMLE, take a needed vacation, volunteer, etc. In extremely rare situations, we may able to schedule an “off” rotation . However, the Department of Emergency Medicine is unable to accommodate any requests for "off" dates. Acceptance of requests for "off" dates is completely at the discretion of the department, and cannot be guaranteed prior to application. 

 

Is there required training prior to my arrival?

Visiting students are required to complete certain online training courses. After a visiting student is accepted into a clerkship and prior to arriving in Albuquerque, the Office of Student Services will send instructions on how to access the online training website. A visiting student must complete the training prior to arrival or risk being delayed in starting a rotation.

 

Do I need to complete the immunization form, or can I just send a form from my school/personal records?

You must complete the UNM issued immunization form. Do not send a form from your school and do not send personal immunization records. There are no exceptions.

 

I’ve submitted my application and have not heard back, what’s going on?

From the date applications are received it generally takes 14-21 business days to receive approval. Please be patient. We are unable to expedite or fast track applications. Please plan your schedule and submit your application accordingly. Remember, an incomplete application can delay processing, so be sure to submit all the required paperwork.

 

I’m an international student and require a Faculty Sponsor. What should I do?

Faculty sponsors are required for international students. They serve as a mentor while the student is rotating at UNM. Most international applicants have been recommended to UNM’s programs by a faculty member, and choose that person as their sponsor. The sponsor must submit a letter or email to the Office of Student Services confirming their commitment to be a sponsor. STUDENT SERVICES DOES NOT ASSIST IN SECURING FACULTY SPONSORS.

 

I’m interested in residency at UNM and would like a recommendation on which clerkships provide the best “audition” experiences.

The Office of Student Services cannot make recommendations as to which rotations serve as good “audition” rotations. Please refer to the Phase III catalog.

 

My school doesn’t provide $1 million in malpractice coverage. Can I purchase coverage through UNM?

No. We are unable to provide coverage for visiting students (both domestic and international). You must secure coverage on your own. Check with your school’s Office of Student Services to see what kind of programs they may offer. Many schools offer the option to upgrade coverage for away rotations.

 

Does UNM provide housing for accepted visiting students?

No. Housing, meals, transportation, etc. is entirely the student’s responsibility. As a visiting student you are not eligible for housing in UNM dorms. The Office of Student Services keeps a list of short-term housing options which is sent upon approval. Most options range from $350-$600 a month.

 

What if I need to cancel my rotation?

All cancellations should be made in writing to the Office of Student Services either through mail or email. Notification of cancellation must be received at least 45 days prior to the start date of the clerkship. If notification is not received, the student's school will be contacted. Fees are non-refundable.

 

Who should I contact if I still have questions?

Please email the Office of Student Services. Our office makes every effort to process applications in a timely manner. While applicants are welcome to check on their application status, we respectfully ask that repeated emails/inquiries be kept to a minimum. Disrespectful and unprofessional inquiries will not be tolerated.