MED 2014 Updates
A Message from the Director
Hello MED Participants!
Greetings from VIA. With August rapidly approaching, we wanted to provide you with several important updates and reminders regarding MED 2014. Please be sure to read this message carefully and thoroughly, as it contains useful and time-sensitive information. On a related note, don't forget to check your email regularly in the coming weeks as we will be in touch with important updates about shadowing assignments, dormitory life, and other program logistics.
As always, feel free to contact me or a member of the MED team with any clarifying questions or concerns.
Best regards,
Ellison Weeks
Medical Programs Director
Clinical English Lessons with Dr. Takayuki Oshimi
This summer, we are incredibly fortunate to be joined by Dr. Takayumi Oshimi, Assistant Professor of English for Medical Purposes (EMP) at Nihon University School of Medicine. During the program, Dr. Oshimi will conduct lessons on oral case presentations, medical consultation skills (USMLE Step 2 CS), and history taking. In addition, he will be providing brief reviews on the medical English we learn each day.
Assistant Program Director - Sherry Chen
Immunization
Reminder that immunizations are DUE by 7/14/2014. We highly encourage all immunization documents to be submitted by the deadline whenever possible! Documents must be scanned and sent to ellison@viaprograms.org by the due date.
Use English-language documents if possible. For immunization records written in your native language, please make sure that key parts (date and name of each vaccine, for example) of your document are translated into English.
Prior to submission, please double check that the scanned documents are easy to read and professional. Remember, hospital staff will be reviewing them.
- Please read the Immunization Guide carefully to avoid any mistakes! Have you checked to make sure your titers have a number value AND your immunity level (positive/partial/negative) is clearly stated?
- If you are experiencing difficulty in meeting the requirements mentioned above or outlined in the Immunization Guideline, then it is VERY IMPORTANT that you contact me to discuss your individual situation and make alternate arrangements for submitting your documents in as timely a manner as possible. Failure to do so could limit our ability to obtain clearance for you to shadow a physician this summer.
Flight Information
Take Me Out to the Ball Game
This year, the MED team is excited to offer participants a chance to attend an exciting baseball game between the San Francisco Giants and the Philadelphia Phillies! While this activity is completely optional, we ask that all participants complete the reservation form indicating whether or not you would like to attend the event so that we know how many tickets to reserve. Tickets are limited and available on a first come, first serve basis. Please not that these expenses are NOT covered by the MED program fee. You can pay for the ticket fee after you arrive at Stanford by cash. Please complete this online reservation form by Wednesday, July 16.
Get To Know Each Other
Travel Insurance
You are required to purchase travel medical insurance in order to participate in MED. Please make sure you purchase medical insurance BEFORE departing from your home country, and bring a copy of your documents with you. You do not need to send us an email copy of your proof of insurance. Remember, you cannot purchase travel insurance once you arrive in the U.S.
What to Pack for Your Trip
As you consider what to bring with you to California this summer, please resist the temptation to overpack! We recommend limiting your luggage to one suitcase and one small bag only. Washer and dryer are free to use during your stay at Stanford, and laundry detergent is complimentary. For a complete list of useful items to bring, please refer to the orientation handout or feel free to contact Sherry Chen at sherry@viaprograms.org with any clarifying questions.
Weather in Stanford and San Francisco
Please keep in mind that there is a big temperature difference between San Francisco and Stanford. Temperatures in Stanford hover around 24º - 33ºC during the day and drop to around 15ºC at night. San Francisco, on the other hand, tends to be MUCH colder and foggier than Stanford, with average temperatures ranging from 10º-20ºC.
Preparing For Your Presentations
You should be currently working on your two presentations: one to introduce your medical school, and one to introduce yourself. If there is more than one student joining from your school, please work on the medical school presentation as a group. These presentations should be limited to 5 minutes in length, be conducted in English and stored on a USB drive for easy access. Since presentations will be delivered during the first few days of the program, it is highly recommended that you arrive to Stanford with your individual and school introductions already completed. Please refer to the presentation guidelines for more information. Should you have any additional questions, do not hesitate to contact me or Sherry via email.