Frequently Asked Questions
Please review our FAQ thoroughly. If you have any questions/concerns that are not addressed, feel free to email us at visitCOM@uic.edu.
FAQ
Are there any opportunities for those who have already completed medical school?
The Office of International Education oversees elective rotations available for those enrolled as fulltime undergraduate medical students in their final year of medical school, and UI COM does not at this time offer any observerships or electives for those who have already completed their medical degree. We have no information on opportunities for those who are not currently enrolled full-time in medical school. We encourage you to search online for programs focused on post-graduate medical training on your own.
Can I still apply if my university is not affiliated with UIC?
Yes. However, there are a limited number of electives available each month and preference is given to students from affiliated universities.
How long after I submit my application will I receive a final decision?
We try to make decisions as quickly as possible as we accept students on a rolling basis, but depending on the elective and month, the timing may vary greatly. You will hear from us You will only hear back from us once, even if you applied for multiple months.
If I am not accepted, can I re-apply for different electives and/or rotation dates?
Yes. However, you must submit an entirely separate application as we will not respond to questions sent in reply to your denial email. If you choose to re-apply, we strongly encourage that you have a genuine interest in the electives for which you select as it is in both your and the department’s best interest to ensure a successful learning experience.
Can I apply for multiple rotations? What is the maximum number of electives I can take?
Generally, we only accept students for one four-week-long elective program. We only accept one pending application per student at a time; however, each application provides students with the option to preference up to 3 electives for up to 3 elective dates. Once we accept a student, we generally do not consider them for more than one elective. However, after acceptance into one elective, we can consider additional requests on a case-by-case basis.
What HIPAA certification do I need to complete?
You should complete the “HIPAA Awareness for Healthcare Providers” course, this includes two separate training modules which both must be completed in their entirety.
Do I need to submit TOEFL scores?
Yes, TOEFL scores must be submitted after you are accepted, unless your medical school is taught in English. If your medical school is taught in English, you may submit a letter from your dean confirming this in place of the TOEFL score.
Are there any recommended companies to acquire personal health insurance?
Our office does not handle personal health insurance for students. In many cases, the health insurance that you use at home will offer extended insurance for travels abroad. You should contact your insurance provider to find out if they can provide you with any options while you are here.
Are there any recommended companies to acquire malpractice insurance?
Yes. Please view our recommendations for malpractice insurance companies.
What payment methods are accepted?
Payments can be made by cash, US bank check, credit or debit card. Wire transfers are not accepted. The elective fee is non-refundable and due at orientation.
What do I need to do to prepare for the nurse visit that happens at orientation?
More information will be provided to you as your orientation date approaches. However, some basic information is that the student questionnaire should be filled out before coming in, all males should be clean shaven (no facial hair is permitted where the seal of the respirator rests), and students should not eat, drink or smoke for at least 15 minutes prior to the appointment.
Do you offer any financial assistance with the elective fee?
UIC does not offer any scholarships, funding, or fee waivers for international medical students completing electives at UIC.
Can I apply for elective dates not yet listed on the calendar?
No. We only accept applications for one Academic Year at a time. The new AY calendar is available in Spring for the following academic year. Once the updated calendar is live, we will start accepting applications for the new Academic Year.
Does UI COM accept medical student observers?
UI COM observerships may be an option for full-time medical students who 1) are not eligible for electives, and, 2) have a prior professional relationship with UI COM faculty. These observerships must be initiated by UI COM faculty who have a prior professional relationship with prospective student observers. Do not contact any UI COM staff, course directors, department coordinators or faculty, as they will direct you to visitcom@uic.edu. Doing so may result in your ineligibility for observerships or electives.