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Foreign Medical Students

Your interest in conducting research at the University of Maryland school of Medicine is appreciated. If you are a medical student in good standing at a foreign medical school, you may be eligible to apply for a research experience. For consideration and approval including an application for a J-1 visa, it is recommended that you apply six months prior to any start date.

Thank you for your interest and we look forward to working with you.

Guidelines

School Policy:

It is the policy of the University of Maryland School of Medicine to accept only fourth-year students for clinical experiences who are enrolled in accredited allopathic medical schools which are approved by the Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME). Students from foreign and off-shore medical schools can not be considered. Such students may request a research placement that does not involve direct patient contact.

General Guidelines for (non-clinical) Research Electives

  1. Visiting students interested in pursuing non-clinical research electives at the University of Maryland School of Medicine must apply through the Office of Student Research (OSR). All students must be in good academic standing at their medical school and have completed at least one year of schooling. Students who initially contact individual faculty or departmental coordinators should be referred to the OSR at 410-706-3026.
  2. The OSR coordinator will ensure that applicants are in good academic standing, that they have health insurance, and have presented evidence that they are self- and/or grant-supported for the visitatation period. The coordinator will also assist in finding suitable housing for the applicant.

Application

  1. The application is a letter documenting the time period, field(s) of research interest and or specific faculty (see http://medschool.umaryland.edu/faculty.asp or http://lifesciences.umaryland.edu/). If no faculty are suggested, the OSR will provide a list of faculty in the requested area of research. Once known, (faculty or area of interest), The office will contact faculty to determine if space and interest in hosting a student exists. Thereafter, the students and faculty will be placed in contact with each other. It is suggested that students apply 6 months before their intended stay.

  2. To participate in a research elective, a visiting student is required to submit:

    1. Curriculum vita
    2. Official transcript
    3. Passport Photo
    4. Recommendation from the dean's office at their school that also states that they are in good standing (i.e., no academic difficulties)
    5. Evidence of facility in English language (TOEFL Score and/or letter from their Medical School attesting to their ability to communicated effectively in English)
     

  3. It is suggested that a minimum 10-12 week stay be considered, but it can be extended.

  4. Written confirmation of the joint approval of the school and faculty member will be generated by the OSR after agreement by the student and faculty.

  5. Both student and faculty must complete an evaluation at termination of the stay and forwarded to the OSR.

  6. An application for a J-1 visa will be processed by the OSR and submitted to the Registrar on behalf of the faculty.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Who do I contact for the information? 

    StudentResearch@som.umaryland.edu 

  2. What is the earliest date that your school will be accepting applications? 

    There is none. It is suggested that students apply no less than six months before the requested start date.

  3. What is the duration of a research elective? 

    A minimum of 8 weeks is suggested.

  4. Is there any support available? 

    None. The OSR will work with students to identify possible funding, but it is recommended that they approach their own (foreign) school, governmental agencies and professional organization to seek out funding.

  5. Are there any fees charged? 

    No

  6. If a faculty member gives a foreign student a verbal or written approval, is it necessary to complete an application through the office of Student Research? 

    Yes. The Registrar has been instructed to deny J-1 applications for students unless approved by the OSR.

  7. Is housing provided? 

    Students should contact the OSR and the Residence Life Office to obtain information to assist in acquiring housing. The OSR number is 410-706-3026 or email StudentResearch@som.umaryland.edu. The campus housing office is 410-706-0568 or access the Internet at: www.housing.umaryland.edu for further information.