The WVSOM Center for International Medicine and Cultural Concerns (CIMCC) was established in 2009. CIMCC offers WVSOM students opportunities to experientially learn about practical and specialized medicine in global locations. Through hands-on programs in all four years of their osteopathic medical training, WVSOM student’s gain firsthand knowledge in international locations.
WVSOM-CIMCC focuses on medically underserved communities both in the USA and globally, the objective being to develop osteopathic physicians who are culturally aware, sensitive and knowledgeable about the world of medicine.
CIMCC works with individual students and student clubs to arrange travel to rural communities in Central and Latin America, the Caribbean, most of Africa and India. More western clinical experiences in Europe and Canada are also available but we focus on underserved communities.
First year students can participate in a spring break medical service delegation trip through their participation in the DOCARE club or the Christian Medical & Dental Associations (CMDA) club. They also have the opportunity to participate in a 3-5 week summer clinical program in Cape Town, South Africa or Brazil or a public health awareness program in Ecuador. These experiences can offer "T.O.U.C.H." (Translating Osteopathic Understanding into Community Health) hours of community service while raising awareness of the living and treatment conditions that may be experienced during an overseas clinical rotation.
Second year students can also participate in the DOCARE club or the CMDA club during spring break as part of the club’s medical service delegation.
Third and Fourth year students, can schedule 4 to 8-week clinical rotations in locations throughout the world.
WVSOM's international rotations have included the countries listed below. New sites are added annually:
The above list is of countries are where students have rotated in past years. To schedule an international rotations student must submit a detailed application, meet certain academic and professional standing criteria and the location for where they wish to rotate must also reach certain educational and safety standards. Each application and location is reviewed on a case by case basis.
The Center for International Medicine and Cultural Concerns (CIMCC) also helps faculty and staff create opportunities for international working holidays, medical service and mission trips and overseas research endeavors.
In the area of cultural concerns, the CIMCC works to achieve cultural competencies as outlined by the American Osteopathic Association, understanding that culture is intrinsically connected to how health care is delivered and received. Curricular and co-curricular education and cultural programs are designed to generate cross-cultural activism, reflection and dialogue.
For more information, contact CIMCC at (304) 647-6423 FREE or email cimcc@osteo.wvsom.edu.