Internal Medicine International Rotation
Competency-Based Learning Goals and Objectives Form
Resident Name: __________________________________________________________
Rotation Dates: __________________________________________________________
Elective Site: ____________________________________________________________
What makes this a unique experience that you could not have at GW?
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
Learning Objectives (at least 1 in each category):
Patient Care: Residents must be able to provide patient care that is compassionate,
appropriate, and effective for the treatment of health problems and the promotion of health.
(For example, what are some of the clinical skills you will practice/develop in this setting? Example
objectives: To work alongside a local physician to provide care HIV patients in a rural setting; To improve
clinical exam skills for adult patients)

Medical Knowledge: To demonstrate knowledge of established and evolving biomedical,
clinical, epidemiological, and social-behavioral sciences, as well as the application of this
knowledge to patient care.
(For example, what are the medical conditions you will see in your elective setting? What will you learn
about the type of health conditions and the health system in the area you will work? Example objectives:
To understand the epidemiology and presentation of non-communicable diseases in a community clinic in
Zambia; To identify the determinants of health of rural population in Costa Rica.)

Practice-Based Learning and Improvement: Residents must demonstrate the ability to
investigate and evaluate their care of patients, to appraise and assimilate scientific evidence,
and to continuously improve patient care based on constant self-evaluation and life-long
learning.
(For example, How will you reflect on your current skills and knowledge to target your learning? What
resources will you use to learn while you are there? Example objectives: To write a reflection blog entry
upon completion of my rotation to discuss the differences in health care provision in Ethiopia; To obtain
feedback from local supervisor on gaps in knowledge and clinical skills; To provide an oral presentation to
colleagues upon return on the lessons learned and skills gained.)

Interpersonal and Communication Skills: Residents must demonstrate interpersonal and
communication skills that result in the effective exchange of information and collaboration
with patients, their families, and health professionals.
(Examples: Communicate with patients and families from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds. Work in a
team with health local health providers. To improve written and oral communication skills through a
reflective blog entry and an oral presentation upon return.)

Professionalism: Residents must demonstrate a commitment to carrying out
professional responsibilities and an adherence to ethical principles.
(Example: To respect cultural differences and work in a professional manner; To maintain a high level of
professionalism, being punctual, respectful and timely in my responsibilities; To work alongside a local
health provider and ask for assistance as appropriate).

Systems-Based Practice: Residents must demonstrate an awareness of and responsiveness to
the larger context and system of health care, as well as the ability to call effectively on other
resources in the system to provide optimal health care.
(Examples: to become familiar with the local formulary and the cost of medications to local populations to
be able to provide resource-aware patient care. To identify specialists available to the rural population in
Zambia and refer appropriately.

Useful References:
http://www.partners.org/Graduate-Medical-Education/Curricular-Materials-And-EducationalResources/Practice-Based-Learning-and-Improvement-Teaching-Materials.aspx
http://www.chop.edu/export/download/pdfs/articles/global-health/gh-curriculumobjectives_sept_2012.pdf