IMSE (International Medical Student Elective) Application Guidelines
【Notice】
In light of the recent spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), St. Luke’s has decided to indefinitely suspend all IMSE programs.
We will be providing information on when we will restart this program via this website as soon as possible.
St. Luke's International Hospital (hereinafter; Hospital) provides the opportunities to rotate clinical departments for overseas medical students (hereinafter; Students). Please read through the statements below carefully before applying to this program.
Eligibility Requirements
Each applicant should meet the following requirements.
- Applicants must be candidates for an M.D. /D.O. degree and in good standing in an accredited school.
- Applicants must be senior students who have completed basic medical school clerkship prior to application.
- Japanese or English language proficiency is required.
- Applicants must be responsible for all arrangements and expenses related to the Medical Elective Program (hereinafter; Program) including travel, housing and medical insurance. Please note that we don't have any rooms available to stay for IMSE students.
Duration of the Program
The rotation is 4 weeks as a general rule. Students will observe one department of their choice per week so that they will rotate in four departments from the list of departments below.
Start Dates
Start dates of the program are TBD.
Departments for the program
The program is offered in the following departments. Students should be at the hospital at 10:00 am on the first day. Schedules are provided for illustrative purposes only, and subject to change.
| 1 | Anesthesiology |
| 2 | Breast Surgical Oncology |
| 3 | Cardiology |
| 4 | Cardiovascular Surgery |
| 5 | Dentistry/Oral Surgery |
| 6 | Dermatology |
| 7 | Emergency Medical Care Center |
| 8 | Gastroenterology |
| 9 | Gastrointestinal and General Surgery |
| 10 | General Internal Medicine |
| 11 | Hematology |
| 12 | Immuno-Rheumatology Center |
| 13 | Infectious Diseases |
| 14 | Medical Oncology |
| 15 | Nephrology |
| 16 | Neurology |
| 17 | Neurosurgery/Neuroendovascular Therapy |
| 18 | Ophthalmology |
| 19 | Orthopedic Surgery |
| 20 | Palliative Care Medicine |
| 21 | Pediatric Surgery |
| 22 | Pediatrics |
| 23 | Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery |
| 24 | Radiology |
| 25 | Respiratory Medicine |
| 26 | Thoracic Surgery |
| 27 | Urology |
FAQ
Clinical Responsibilities of Students
During the program, Students are asked to be astute clinical observers. Hands-on clinical responsibilities are often limited due to the type of practice and skills needed. Basically, clinical responsibilities are prohibited according to the Japanese Medical Practitioners Law.
Travel
Students must pay their own travel expenses. Travel in or around Japan should not be scheduled during the program period excepting weekends.
Food
The Cafeteria in our Hospital is available to all Students for providing economically priced meals.
Health Insurance
All students are required to have health insurance.
Documents Required
- Application Form (Word file / PDF file, 399KB)
- Resume or CV
- Statement of Educational Goals (600-800 words)
- Two Letters of Recommendation
- Certification of English Skills
- Immunization record (Word file, / PDF file)
- A copy of your current passport
- School Evaluation Form
Please give your reasons for seeking advanced training at St. Luke's International Hospital in Japan and your goals for elective. Be as specific as possible about what you would like to do at St. Luke's and in each department during your elective rotation. This statement is very important in finding you the best appointment for your particular needs. You should consult your mentor before completing this to make sure of the objectives.
Two letters of recommendation are required.
One letter must be from the associated dean of students or equivalent. This letter must state the student is in good standing and good health.
The other letter should be from a healthcare provider with whom you have worked in a clinical capacity. This letter should remark on your professionalism and competence in patient care.
Either one of the following test scores are required for students from non- English speaking countries. TOEIC 700, TOEFL iBT 75, IELTS 6.0, Cambridge Exam FCE, CEFR B2.
If you have difficulties in obtaining scores, we will assess in an alternative method.
It must include your photo, your signature, the passport number, the place of issue, and the expiration date.
Others
The Hospital assumes no responsibility for accidents or illnesses which Students have during the elective program, including the travel between their home country and Japan. Each Student must have his/her own health and/or travel insurance that covers health. Moreover, each Student must inform his/her family of the contact information during the elective program in Japan.
Application Procedure
*IMSE Application Timeline Chart (PDF file )
If you agree with all of conditions stated above, please apply to the Program by following the procedures below.
- Each applicant must submit documents 1 through 5 in PDF form by email or hard copies by mail 6 months prior to the beginning of the program. Students wanting to come in groups must correspond and apply individually. Since acceptance is based on availability of clinical departments, we cannot guarantee that all members of a group will be able to be accepted during the same period.
- The Hospital will carefully examine submitted documents, and confirm the schedule of departments of your choice if they accept applicants during the term. Program quota varies.
- The Hospital will inform applicants of the results by e-mail within 7 weeks.
- The Hospital will arrange the rotation schedule of Students and inform them 1 month prior to the beginning of the Program.
Contact Information
Education Center / Center for International and Community Partnerships