International Influence: Jefferson Partners with Foundation for Advancement of International Medical Education and Research
Jefferson
Medical College of Thomas Jefferson University and the Foundation for
Advancement of International Medical Education and Research (FAIMER)
have signed an agreement to develop an academic partnership. Under this
agreement, the two entities will engage in projects in resource limited
countries, focusing on faculty development, undergraduate, graduate and
continuing medical education of physicians and other health
professionals, as well as research in medical education. Most of
FAIMER’s activity is concentrated in South Asia, Africa and Latin
America.
“This
is about social justice,” said Susan L. Rattner, M.D., professor of
Medicine and Senior Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, Jefferson
Medical College. “FAIMER, much like Jefferson, is dedicated to
improving health by improving medical education. This collaboration
will provide Jefferson the chance to expand its educational sphere and
support unmet medical education needs in developing
countries.”
The
initial goal of the collaboration is to have Jefferson work with FAIMER
staff and to meet and develop a relationship with the FAIMER Fellows
while they are in Philadelphia. Ultimately, it is hoped that the
collaboration will benefit health professions education in developing
countries as well as provide opportunities for Jefferson faculty,
residents and students to participate in international education and
service with support from the FAIMER Fellows in their home country.
FAIMER Fellows will have access to Jefferson’s extensive medical
education assets. Many Fellows report a key obstacle in their continued
education is access to current literature in healthcare and health
education. The opportunity for Fellows to receive faculty appointments
at Jefferson would allow access to Jefferson’s library of educational
resources.
“We
will meet colleagues from all over the world, build relationships and
have a chance to learn from one another,” said Rattner. “We anticipate
planting the seeds for long term relationships with some of the FAIMER
Fellows and to hopefully open doors for exchange in all of our
educational programs.”
FAIMER,
a non-profit foundation, was established in 2000 by the Educational
Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates. FAIMER’s mission is to
improve the health of populations in resource limited countries through
improvement in health professions education. FAIMER Fellowship programs
will focus on educational leadership, management and educational
methodologies.
Media Only Contact:
Richard Cushman
Thomas Jefferson University Hospital
Phone: (215) 955-6300
Published: 4/11/2008