International health research and practice can play an important role in the personal and professional development of medical students. In recognition of this the School of Medicine’s International Health Program (IHP) provides students with opportunities to work and live abroad, while participating with local colleagues and NYU faculty in basic and applied research, public health initiatives and/or clinical education programs impacting global health.

The IHP aims to heighten student awareness of issues related to global health; encourage more students to consider global health research as part of their future activities; and to increase cultural competency in the delivery of patient care.

Founded in 2002 by Arnold Stern, MD, PhD, the International Health Program gives students the opportunity to immerse themselves for four to eight weeks, under the tutelage of a faculty mentor from the NYU School of Medicine.

The International Health Program sends approximately 40 students annually to NYU-affiliated sites in Africa, Asia, Latin America, and Eastern Europe. Preclinical students can take advantage of the IHP during the summer; clinical students can choose international study as an elective.