MSC08 4700
Basic Medical Sciences Building, Room 107
1 University of New Mexico
Albuquerque, NM 87131
Phone: (505) 272-3414
Fax: (505) 272-8239
omsa@salud.unm.edu
The University of New Mexico School of Medicine welcomes visiting medical students to participate in final year elective clerkships. Clerkships for visiting students are coordinated by the Office of Medical Student Affairs.
REQUIREMENTS FOR ALL STUDENTS:
The University of New Mexico School of Medicine requires all visiting to students to meet the same standards expected of our own students. Medical students are eligible to participate in our program if they meet the following criteria, students must:
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS:
Students from International Medical Schools may participate in our program. Students from "Off Shore" and Caribbean Schools are considered International Students regardless of citizenship. In addition to meeting the above requirements for visiting students, international students must also:
Students are considered an International Student if their training, including the basic sciences, occurred at a school outside of the United States.
DEPARTMENTAL REQUIREMENTS:
Some departments have additional requirements other than those listed above. If you apply to one of these departments, you must also meet these supplemental requirements in order to be considered. If a department is not listed, only the basic requirements apply.
OB/GYN
Proof of passing score on USMLE Step 1, 190 or higher
Must be a student at a US School (No International Students)
Phase II (Clerkship Year) GPA must be 3.0 or better on a 4.0 scale
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs)
Do you accept International Medical Graduates (IMGs)?
No. The Office of Medical Student Affairs does not coordinate experiences for IMGs. If you are an International Medical Graduate, obtained an MD or DO degree and have an US social security number, you may be able to coordinate an experience through UNM's Office of Graduate Medical Education.
How do I apply?
Application Process for students attending an LCME accredited school or a AACOM accredited school:
If you attend an LCME or AACOM accredited school, you are required to apply using the Visiting Student Application System (VSAS). The VSAS online application program is coordinated by the AAMC. We will not accept applications outside the system. For information click here. Once you have accepted an offer in VSAS you must submit the supplemental information packet available here.
Application Process for International Students:
UNM SOM accepts students from international medical schools. For schools with which UNM does not have a formalized exchange agreement, UNM will accept up to three students per academic year. Applications will be accepted from April 1 through May 1 for rotations beginning 6/24 or later. If more than three applications per school are received during the application window, the Office of Medical Student Affairs (OMSA) will nominate three applications for acceptance review based on the strength of the application and the personal statement/letter of intent. Nomination decisions made by OMSA are final. Note that nomination by OMSA does not equate acceptance. Nominated applications must still be reviewed and accepted by the appropriate SOM department. If fewer than three applications are received from a school during the application window, applications will be approved on a rolling first come-first serve basis until all spots have been filled. International students must submit a completed paper application. Incomplete applications will not be processed. International applications must be submitted 60 days prior to requested start date. To request a paper application, please contact OMSA. We will require an updated/new application for the 2013-2014 application season. Old or previous year applications will be returned to the applicant.
Applications for the 2013-2014 academic year will be accepted beginning April 1. Applications received before that date cannot be held and will be returned to the applicant.
What dates can I apply for?
Students are eligible to apply for clerkships beginning in June and running through the following March. UNM students receive scheduling preference and visiting student applications are not accepted for the first two blocks of the academic year (generally this means April-May). Applications must be submitted 45/60 days prior to requested start date. The set block dates can be found in the Phase III Clerkship Catalog.
When can I apply? When will you process applications?
Applications must be received at least 45 days prior to the start date of the first requested clerkship (60 days prior for international students). No exceptions. Faxed or emailed applications are not accepted. Incomplete applications and/or applications received within the 45/60 day window will be returned to the applicant. It will normally takes 14-21 business days for an application to be processed. Please be patient. An acceptance letter/offer is sent only after approved clerkship assignments have been made and all required documents have been received. Please keep in mind, applications are reviewed/approved based on merit. Applications are not be processed "first come, first served."
We will begin accepting applications on April 1. Applications will be reviewed/processed weekly beginning April 23. Applications received before April 1 will be returned to the applicant.
What rotations are available?
Available clerkships are listed in the UNM Phase III Clerkship Catalog. Please read carefully. The catalog indicates whether visiting students are accepted for a rotation. Redacted information is also available in VSAS.
I would like to complete core (3rd year) clerkship rotations at UNM. Is this possible?
No, we do not accept students for 3rd year core clerkships. You must be in your final year of school and have completed all the core clerkships to be eligible for our program.
How do I obtain verification for a visiting clerkship I previously completed?
Clerkships are taken for credit at a student's home school only. Credit is not granted by UNM and therefore, UNM cannot provide verification of clerkships and does not maintain visiting student records beyond 1 year past the date of attendance.
Can you help with visa status/information?
No, our office does not assist with securing a visa. Please contact UNM's Office of International Programs at http://www.unm.edu/%7eoips/ for more information.
Can you confirm there are spots available for the rotation/dates I want?
Medical Student Affairs is unable to confirm whether there are spots available for certain rotations and time. Please submit an application and a determination will be made at that time.
Are there any fees or tuition for this program?
Yes. All students must submit a $125 processing fee. If you are scheduled into a clerkship, this fee is non-refundable. Visiting students are required to purchase Blood and Body Fluid/Needlestick Insurance to cover costs associated with treatment in the event of an academic-related exposure. Coverage is effective during the period of rotation at UNM. The cost is $30. These fees are mandatory and apply to all visiting students, regardless of time spent in the hospital, OR, etc.
International students must pay tuition for any rotations beyond their first four weeks. The amount is $1,749.50 per 4 week block. This amount is due after clerkship approval and no less than 60 days prior to the start of the clerkship.
Students may not switch their courses/dates once approved. If a switch is absolutely necessary, a $20 course change fee applies.
All fees are non-refundable.
How many rotations can I complete?
Visiting students will be scheduled for a maximum of two rotations totaling no more than 8 weeks.
My clerkship dates don’t match up with UNM’s. What should I do?
We prefer that you complete rotations on UNM's schedule.
Can I change my rotation dates once I've been accepted?
Changing rotation dates after an acceptance offer has been made is very difficult. Please apply with the dates you intend to come. A request to change dates also requires a $20 course change fee.
Is there required training prior to my arrival?
Visiting students are required to complete certain online training courses. After a visiting student is accepted into a clerkship and prior to arriving in Albuquerque, the Office of Medical Student Affairs will send instructions on how to access the online training website. A visiting student must complete the training prior to arrival or risk being delayed in starting a rotation.
Do I need to complete the immunization form, or can I just send a form from my school/personal records?
You must complete the UNM issued immunization form. Do not send a form from your school and do not send personal immunization records. There are no exceptions. If you have questions regarding our immunization form, please contact the Student Health Center at 505-277-3136. Medical Student Affairs is not able to answer questions relating to health records.
I’ve submitted my application and have not heard back, what’s going on?
From the date applications are received it generally takes 14-21 business days to receive approval. Please be patient. We are unable to expedite or fast track applications. Please plan your schedule and submit your application accordingly. Remember, an incomplete application can delay processing, so be sure to submit all the required paperwork.
I’m an international student and require a Faculty Sponsor. What should I do?
Faculty sponsors are required for international students. They serve as a mentor while the student is rotating at UNM. Most international applicants have been recommended to UNM’s programs by a faculty member, and choose that person as their sponsor. The sponsor must submit the OMSA Faculty Sponsor form confirming their commitment to be a sponsor. MEDICAL STUDENT AFFAIRS DOES NOT ASSIST IN SECURING FACULTY SPONSORS.
I’m an international student. Is USMLE Step 1 really required? Can I send proof that I have passed the basic science curriculum instead?
Proof of a passing score on Step 1 is required to be eligible for our program. No exceptions. Proof from your school that you have passed the basic science curriculum will not be accepted in lieu of a Step 1 score.
I’m interested in residency at UNM and would like a recommendation on which clerkships provide the best “audition” experiences.
The Office of Medical Student Affairs cannot make recommendations as to which rotations serve as good “audition” rotations. Please refer to the Phase III catalog.
My school doesn't’t provide $1 million in malpractice coverage. Can I purchase coverage through UNM?
No. We are unable to provide coverage for visiting students (both domestic and international). You must secure coverage on your own. Check with your school’s Office of Student Affairs to see what kind of programs they may offer. Many schools offer the option to upgrade coverage for away rotations.
Does UNM provide housing for accepted visiting students?
No. Housing, meals, transportation, etc. is entirely the student’s responsibility. As a visiting student you are not eligible for housing in UNM dorms. The Office of Medical Student Affairs keeps a list of short-term housing options which is sent upon request. Most options range from $350-$600 a month.
What if I need to cancel my rotation?
All cancellations should be made in writing to the Office of Medical Student Affairs either through mail or email. Notification of cancellation must be received at least 45 days prior to the start date of the clerkship. If notification is not received, the student's school will be contacted. Fees are non-refundable.
Who should I contact if I still have questions?
Please email the Office of Medical Student Affairs. Our office makes every effort to process applications in a timely manner. Normal response time is 2-3 business days, please be patient. While applicants are welcome to check on their application status, we respectfully ask that repeated emails/inquiries be kept to a minimum. Disrespectful and unprofessional inquiries will not be tolerated.