The Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine International Electives in Medicine Program works to expand the medical education of the students by giving them the opportunity to experience the medical profession beyond the borders of the United States.

In addition to having an international medical experience, the students also gain knowledge that allows them to serve a diverse population within the United States. The International Electives in Medicine Program hosts an international dinner, second language classes, speakers, and cultural events for the students, faculty and staff, at LECOM.

Current Affiliated Sites for Electives:

• Australia
• Dominican Republic
• Germany
• Greece
• India
• Italy
  
• New Zealand
• Poland
• South Africa
• Uganda

“Considering the embryonic age of our international program, in cooperation with the International Medical Society (IMS), we have made significant progress in achieving our initial goals. Our global mission will certainly continue to train global osteopathic physicians and to gain more recognition in global primary care.”
--Professor Reza Nassiri, Director of International Relations, LECOM.

Student Experiences:
“This was a great experience for me and I was able to see first-hand what other countries were dealing with medically.”--Mary Santarelli, D.O., Class of 2004, on the opportunity to study in Lublin, Poland. She experienced both medical issues and the different cultures in Poland.

“My experiences in South Africa went well beyond the medical...I learned that before you begin the treatment of any patient, look at who they are and not at who you expect them to be. Only then can you begin to understand and effectively assist in the healing of your patient.”
--Jeffrey Sherman, D.O., Class of 2000