Early this fall, GW’s Office of International Medicine Programs (IMP) launched the Medical Research Fellowship Program (MRFP). Building on the success of a pilot version last year, this program was created in an effort to sustain diversity within the GW medical community, as well as provide tailored support for international medical fellows. The MRFP was launched as a request from the Saudi Arabia Cultural Mission Medical Department, due to recent decline of the match rate for international medical graduates in The National Resident Matching Program (NRMP). International graduates represent nearly 20 percent of the overall applicant pool, but only 12 percent of those international applicants successfully match. This number has continued to decline over the past decade, according to a 2012 NRMP Report.
During their two-day orientation in August, the new 12-member class of fellows gathered to share their concerns and aspirations for their year-long fellowship. Senior Associate Dean for Health Sciences, Joe Bocchino, Ed.D., M.B.A., and International Medicine Programs Executive Director, Huda Ayas, Ed.D., M.B.A., M.H.S.A., were on hand to welcome the new cohort and lead them through presentations from departments including: the Himmelfarb Library, Human Resources, and the International Services Office. They also met with representatives from the Saudi Arabian Cultural Mission (SACM), the primary sponsoring organization for the program.
“The MRFP’s rigorous curriculum is tailored to boost the credentials and overcome the shortages of international medical graduates to ensure they are prepared for highly competitive American residency programs,” explained Janan Sarkis, Director of International Programs. In addition to mentorship of a research project with a GW faculty member, fellows are also offered relevant research courses, observation in clinical settings, participation in grand rounds and departmental lectures, and personal and professional development workshops. Workshops on English communication, accent modification, body language, and health care leadership are catered specifically to an international audience.
“I can say with confidence that we have developed a well thought out and structured program, meeting the learning objectives of the fellows, while adhering to the complex education, legal, and visa guidelines of the GW University,” said Ayas. “This program would not have been possible without the cooperation of the GW Hospital, the GW Medical Faculty Associates leadership, Chairs of clinical departments, and most importantly the GW faculty who are serving as mentors and educating the future Saudi medical leaders.”
This year the fellows are conducting research in specialties including internal medicine, pathology, radiology, ophthalmology, emergency medicine, pediatrics, and anesthesiology. Current pathology fellow, Mahfood Alqatari, M.D., attributed his interest in the program to the “reputation of GW [and their] well-recognized faculty.” The fellowship stood out to him compared to other opportunities because of “the obvious goals and the unique strategy of the program to build strong credentials of the candidates.”
“Beyond the workshops, lectures and fun events,” internal medicine fellow, Amani Alameer, M.D., describes the mentorship component as a “cornerstone” to her learning experience. “My mentor has helped me improve my clinical, research, and presentation skills. He works with me as if I was a member of the department staff, ensuring that I am involved in all the activities that relate to the department.”
The MRFP is rewarding for the international fellow, as well as the mentors. “It’s gratifying to mentor and provide support for international graduates as they establish their research careers,” said Jesse Pines, M.D., M.B.A., M.S.C.E., the MRFP’s medical director, who lead an emergency medicine research fellowship last year, and has been involved in the IMP since his arrival at GW in 2010. “I love to see fellows succeed, and I enjoy seeing their skills evolve as budding researchers.”
For more information about the Medical Research Fellowship program or any other programs administered by the Office of International Medicine Programs, you may email impinfo@gwu.edu.
