For over two decades, the University of Ottawa Faculty of Medicine has offered an international elective in Benin, providing Faculty of Medicine learners with opportunities to diversify their education and gain meaningful experience in global health. The elective reflects the core principles of community engagement and social accountability in Global Health. Participants work alongside local healthcare professionals in Cotonou, Porto-Novo, and Kolli, gaining firsthand insight into community health systems, clinical practices, and healthcare delivery in low-resource settings. The group is housed together in a shared accommodations in Cotonou and in Kolli. Learners are accompanied by uOttawa preceptors for the duration of the elective experience.  

Available Funding:

The Medicine and Humanities International Program (MHIP) is a summer school jointly offered through a partnership between the University of Ottawa (Canada), Université Claude Bernard Lyon I (France), Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine (China), and the Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine (China). Each year, the program is hosted by a different partner, including uOttawa. The summer school explores the history of medicine through art, literature, philosophy, and human sciences, promoting critical thinking, professionalism, and empathy.

Available Funding:

Learners can complete clinical electives and observerships at our partner institution in China. This program is open to 1st, 2nd and 4th-year UGME students.

Available Funding:

Learners can complete clinical electives and observerships at our partner institutions in France, choosing from a variety of specialties within affiliated hospitals and health institutions. These placements provide exposure to the French healthcare system, opportunities for international collaboration, and, for some learners, a chance to further develop French language skills. This program is open to 1st, 2nd and  4th-year UGME students with at least intermediate French proficiency. 

Available Funding:

Established in 2021, the uOttawa Faculty of Medicine’s collaboration with KCMC University is grounded in shared academic goals in teaching, research, and clinical care, with particular strengths in public health, epidemiology, microbiology, immunology and sub-specialty clinical care.  

UGME Learners

Each November, UGME Learners may travel to KCMC University for a global health clinical elective that combines clinical rotations with community engagement. Learners build diagnostic and communication skills in low-resource environments while strengthening cross-cultural competence. The group is housed together in Staff House A.33 on the KCMC University Doctor’s Compound. Learners will be accompanied by uOttawa faculty or staff preceptors for the duration of their elective.  

PGME Learners

PGME learners can also complete clinical electives at KCMC University at various times throughout the year during eligible rotation blocks, in accordance with the mobility application deadlines below. Please reach out to [email protected] to learn about existing collaborations between your department and KCMC University, and corresponding elective opportunities.  

Available Funding:

Some direct participation costs such as housing, transportation and some meals will be covered directly by the IGHO. In addition, learners can apply to the following funding opportunities:  

• International Mobility Bursary (UGME)
• Equity and Access Travel Reimbursement - Fund Stream 2: Financial Need Only (UGME)
• PGME Global Health Elective Reimbursement (PGME)

Learners may independently arrange international electives that align with their academic interests and professional goals. All placements must meet the Faculty of Medicine’s ethical, academic, and safety standards, and the relevant academic department or the International and Global Health Office (IGHO) may deny approval if these standards are not met.

For global health electives in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), placements must demonstrate mutual partnership, community engagement, sustainability, and cultural respect, in alignment with the Faculty’s ethical commitments and the Brocher Declaration. For hospital-based electives in high-income countries (HICs), learners must uphold professional and clinical standards consistent with Canadian training, including appropriate supervision, confidentiality, and adherence to institutional policies.

Before arranging an elective, learners must ensure the placement fits their program requisites and timelines, meets the Faculty’s ethical requirements, and is submitted for review through the Request for Approval of an International Elective and Funding at least two months before the planned start date. 

Available Funding:

Some direct participation costs such as housing, transportation and some meals will be covered directly by the IGHO. In addition, learners can apply to the following funding opportunities:  

• International Mobility Bursary (UGME)
• Equity and Access Travel Reimbursement (UGME)
• PGME Global Health Elective Reimbursement (PGME)