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• Before acceptance
• After acceptance
• During the elective at UPMC

Before acceptance

Why should I have a medical elective at UPMC?
There are 5 good reasons why you should apply for a medical elective at UPMC:

• A unique opportunity to take advantage of the US system which provides well organized and cutting edge graduate and postgraduate medical training.
• Work in small medical teams where you can benefit from an intense and supportive learning atmosphere. Perfect for your CV! As you can intensify your English and intercultural skills.
• Save $2100 tuition fees! The program is based on a well established cooperation between UPMC and the CIO Cologne Bonn and recommended students only need to pay $50 application fees.
• Benefit from a big hospital network! UPMC is a network of 19 hospitals and 40 day care units that provide the western part of the US state of Pennsylvania. Elective students usually get to know two different hospitals.
• Study a broad spectrum of diseases. Cancer affects any organ system. Thus, every specialist will treat cancer patients at some point. Take this chance to learn more about general oncology issues: treatment options for different neoplasias, application and side-effects of chemotherapy, infectious disease management in cancer patients, palliative care, and many more!

Who is allowed to apply?
Every medical student, who is currently registered and in good academic standing, is allowed to apply for a 2 month elective at UPMC.The applicant should be a final year student at the time of his/her planned participation in the United States.

When is the deadline for applications?
There is no deadline for submitting your application. Yet, you should plan your elective 9-12 months in advance.

Which documents are needed for the application?
You will need to submit your CV, a motivation letter and an official school   transcript of the Medical Faculty to Dr. Marian Barsoum (link zu Kontakt).

After acceptance

Which documents do I need to submit to the University of Pittsburgh?

• Letter of credentials from the director of the Centre for Integrated Oncology
• Filled out application form for an International Medical Clinical Elective Clerkship (link zum pdf file)
• Official academic records, academic transcript, or certification of grades; both in original language and English translation
• Official TOEFL score report showing a minimum score of 600 on the paper test or 250 on the computer based tests. IBT score of at least 100. IELTS score of 7.0 (scores must be within the past 2 years)
• Evidence of sufficient financial support for living expenses (estimated expenses for 8 weeks are 2250 US dollars; form is included in the application form)
• Evidence of adequate personal health insurance to include coverage for both well-care and hospitalization as necessary while in the United States as well as professional and personal liability insurance.
• Evidence of required immunization status (included in the application form).
• $50.00 non-refundable application fee in U.S. dollars payable at time of application request.
• Clearances
  • Pennsylvania State Child Abuse Clearance also called ACT 33 (current fee $ 10.00, payable via Moneyorder)
  • Pennsylvania State Criminal Background Check also called ACT 34 (current fee $ 10.00, payable via Moneyorder)
  • FBI Fingerprinting Clearance also called ACT 73 (only obtainable upon arrival in the State of Pennsylvania; current fee  36.00)

Do I need a TOEFL test to be able to apply?
You will need an official TOEFL score report showing a minimum score of 600 on the paper test or 250 on the computer based tests. Alternatively, you can show an IBT score of at least 100 or an IELTS score of 7.0 (scores must be within the past 2 years).

Do I need a J1 visa or is a B1 visa sufficient?
You can go to Pittsburgh with a B1 visa.

Do I need to pay tuitions?
According to the cooperation between the CIO Cologne Bonn and UPMC elective students from Germany do not need to pay tuitions. They will only pay application fees ($ 50).

Where can I stay in Pittsburgh?
You can book the guest house of UPMC. This costs $ 1.000 per month.

How much money do I have to plan for the elective?
Depending on the type of accommodation you chose and excluding the flight ticket, the monthly expenses are estimated to be around $ 2.250.

Do I need to read any literature before going to the USA?

• Medical English literature (see English for Medical Purposes Website)
• First Aid for the USMLE Step 2 CS
• a handy pocket medicine book
• Reference book to learn the American names of medications

During the elective at UPMC

Is there a dress code?
Yes! Students should wear a shirt and tie (blouse for female students) underneath a short white coat, long dress trousers (no miniskirts) and leathern shoes (no sneakers).In general, students are supposed to wear short coats. Discuss with your attending whether you can use your long German coat for the 8 weeks and save some money!

Do I have to do night shifts?
Visiting students do not have night shifts.

Do I get my own patients?
You can ask your attending (Oberarzt) whether you can have your own patients to follow up till the day of their discharge.

What are the daily assignments of an elective student?

• Patient admission and follow-up
• Medical history taking
• Physical exam
• Diagnosis: lab values, imaging, pathology
• Suggestion of therapy options
• Dictation and/or writing notes
  Note: performance of medical procedures like blood drawing, bone marrow biopsies, or writing of consultation enquiries is taught by physician assistants/nurses.