A fellowship program to advance teaching of the basic sciences in foreign medical schools

Advancement in world health requires physicians who are well grounded in the basic medical sciences. To strengthen education in the biosciences in foreign medical schools, especially those in economically deprived countries, the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates introduced a fellowship program in 1983. Awards are made annually to 12 to 14 foreign bioscience teachers who, under tutelage of preceptors in US medical schools, broaden their knowledge and enhance their pedagogical skills. To date, a total of 97 fellows from 69 schools in 32 countries have received awards to study under 69 preceptors in 52 US schools. Assurance that these foreign teachers return home after their 1-year fellowships has been addressed through a number of incentives and safeguards. Based on information from those who have completed their fellowships and from their foreign deans, this program is meeting its objectives.