Goal & Objectives
INTERNATIONAL ELECTIVE POLICY FOR GME
An international elective in a clinical experience is intended to give the participating house staff member a more global perspective in the cultural, social, economic and political issues of another country that may impact that nation’s healthcare system. This elective rotation allows participants to:
- Be of service to an international community while broadening their thinking about the practice of medicine
- Participate in research projects that are not available (in the same capacity) at the University of Iowa.
Learning occurs through both independent study and hands-on experiences. Mentoring by the elective’s director or identified faculty helps the house staff member design the experience to meet the goals and objectives set out in this policy.
Make a Gift Today!
For more than 20 years, our department has hosted international electives, in the form of medical mission trips, to provide anesthesia services to underserved populations in Central and South America and Africa.
How to Apply
Step 1
Discuss possible dates/locations for an international health rotation with current GME Program Director (PD) and confirm final dates with PD and international PD.
Step 2
International Committee Chairperson must receive written communication from current GME Program Director to:
- Confirm dates of travel
- Confirm acceptance of resident’s international elective
Step 3
Complete Initial Travel Request online application in MedHub
Step 4
Visit travel clinic 2 months prior to travel
Step 5
Review safety checklist
Step 6
Notify US State Department of the international trip:
- Create an account with the US State Department: https://step.state.gov/
- Register your future trip with the US State Department:
https://step.state.gov/STEP/pages/individuals/PersonalInfo.aspx
Step 7
Purchase evacuation insurance
Step 8
Obtain med packet from Dr House (hans-house@uiowa.edu)
Step 9
After your return, complete the post-trip survey and return to Dr. House
Step 10
You are strongly encouraged to present to your colleagues and talk to them about your experiences.
Team Leaders
All University of Iowa Department of Anesthesia Missions are led by our exceptional faculty.
Sarah S. Titler, MD
Martin Kendra, MD
Martin Mueller, MD
Lovkesh Arora, MBBS, MD, FASA, E-AEC
Adeeb Oweidat, MD
Bryan S. Brindeiro, MD
Melinda S. Seering, MD
Our Impact
Through global mission partnerships, our anesthesiology team delivers safe, high-quality perioperative care in resource-limited settings while advancing education, collaboration, and sustainable clinical capacity. These experiences strengthen our commitment to compassionate service, cultural humility, and excellence in patient care—both abroad and at home.
"My experience on the Guatemala mission trip was profound. Profound in the insight this mission offered into how surgical anesthesia can be provided around the world. Profound in the realization of being fortunate to practice medicine in a resource-rich environment. And profound in the appreciation our patients and their families expressed toward the care we provided. I truly believe this mission trip has improved the quality of medical care I provide today!"
- Dr. Alexander Novak, Clinical Assistant Professor, Anesthesia
Core Competency
The International Anesthesia rotation aims to train competent and compassionate anesthesiologists. They are designed to develop the appropriate attitudes, knowledge base and skills to care for patients in a developing country. This challenging environment exposes the trainees to the complexity of delivering anesthesia care in areas with limited resources. After this rotation, the student will better understand the physical and psychosocial impact of poverty and disease.
