"...The future of our global healthcare world lies in the international collaborative
competencies of the next generation of healthcare leaders..." (Dr. Anette Wu, University World News)
COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY
What
The International Collaboration and Exchange Program - Preparing Global Leaders for Healthcare (“Columbia ICEP”), was initiated in 2014 within the Anatomy/Pathology Department at the Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons at Columbia University in New York City, NY, USA (Founding Program Director: Professor Anette Wu, MD, MPH, PhD). It partners with almost 40 major leading medical universities on 5 continents. The program is an international student networking and exchange program specifically designed for junior medical students - originating from within the anatomy course and created by faculty and students to promote the improvement of global healthcare. Although based in anatomy the program areas reach beyond the areas of basic science into Public and Global Health and global competencies for international leadership.
Who
The program is open to all medical students from our partner universities at no cost. In addition, the program accepts select students from related partner health professions programs (i.e., dental, health sciences graduate schools, schools of public health, anatomy and pharmacy students), and select partner premedical undergraduate college students, based on academic achievement and interests. We also welcome select students who participate in the Laidlaw Foundation leadership program. Starting in fall 2023 we welcome select students from the partner schools of the African Research University Alliance (ARUA) as well as select graduates of the International Young Researchers Conference (IYRC).
We particularly invite international students and first generation immigrant students at our partner schools to join and thereby enrich all students' experiences with cultural diversity and to share their knowledge about healthcare and health related topics in their home countries.
Why
The overall objective of this program is to prepare students in the health professions for international leadership roles in their countries and global collaborative problem solving in healthcare - promoting the mission of Science Diplomacy.
The program is based on elements of internationalization of medical education for sustainable and comprehensive internationalization. Furthermore, it aims to foster international understanding by building on the ambassadorial role of students for Science Diplomacy for life-long collaboration and international understanding.
How
Via multidirectional exchanges with students from major international universities, the program provides students with leadership skills, cultural competency skills, international experience, communication/debating skills and networking opportunities – resulting in raised awareness about differences in healthcare delivery systems and global public health challenges, improvement of cultural competency, acquisition of basic sciences research experience, development of leadership and multi-lateral international collaboration skills, and global healthcare problem solving. ​
Early peer-to-peer interactions are expected to form collegiality, long-term bonding, and friendships, and help to improve global healthcare in the future via networking and global collaboration. ​
The program provides students with a stepwise opportunity to share and exchange cultural and healthcare related knowledge and improve their leadership skills.​​
Students acquire skills that will enhance their careers and prepare them for national and international leadership roles.
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We take great pride in emphasizing the networking component of the program.
Further continuation into the clinical years is in the planning phase. ​
See program overview below for further information and registration.
