Recognition for Completing the International Medical Scholars Program

Abstract

There was considerable discussion about the type of documentation or credential that scholars would receive upon completion of an International Medical Scholars Program (IMSP). Among the participants' suggestions was that a national body rather than individual program directors confer the credential. Others called for a certificate issued by the IMSP, the United States government, or some combination of the two. One proposal was for an award issued under the aegis of the United Nations. The recognition, in whatever form, would be for completion of programs that range from one month to two or three years in duration and are tailor-made for the international scholars; thus, recognition for such programs might also need to be highly individualized. Recognition could range from a certificate suitable for framing to assurance of a continuing “state of visitorship” agreement between the educator and the trainee, with one visiting the other every two years or so in order to increase the prestige of the training in each country. Yet another form of valued recognition could be collaboration in research involving binational funding from the country of origin and the United States. Such research would enable the scholars to function in professional circles in their countries and in the United States. Research in the specialty or subspecialty program was seen as enabling the scholar, upon returning home, to be capable of solving problems in the native country.