Exchanges

The members of our Organization are given the opportunity to participate in medical exchange programs worldwide. There are two types of exchanges: professional and research exchange. The participants of the program will have the chance to visit one of the NMOs of IFMSA and take part in the everyday clinical practice or be a productive member of a local research group.

Professional Exchange

Professional Exchanges aim to promote understanding and cooperation amongst medical students and all health professionals. The exchange program offers a unique educational and cultural experience in addition to the regular medical knowledge. It also helps to broaden the students' understanding of medical and social conditions in different countries.

A student exchange scheme was set up in 1951 by the Standing Committee on Professional Exchange (SCOPE), although the now-familiar common application form was introduced in 1968. In 1956, 11 countries and 906 students participated in SCOPE exchanges, while in 1957, 18 countries participated. In 1958 the Committee On Transatlantic Exchange (COTE) was established to arrange exchanges between European and American medical students. In 1959 the detailed regulations of these exchanges were set up. Later on, this committee was incorporated into SCOPE. In 1966, 35 countries participated in the SCOPE exchanges and by 1980 more than 3 000 students went on SCOPE exchange program. In 1990 the numbers were up to over 4 000 students from 39 different countries. Nowadays 86 countries are involved in IFMSA SCOPE.

Research Exchange

A research exchange is a 1-6 month program available all year round in 37 different countries. Research Exchange offers you the opportunity to participate in a focused and personalized research program in order to expand your knowledge in a specific area. You'll be able to earn credits, to interact with other cultures and form social and professional networks.

The Standing Committee on Research Exchange (SCORE) is frequently referred to as SOPE’s little sister because of its history. During the 1980s "Electives" were added to the normal range of clinical clerkships organized by SCOPE. In 1986 the Standing Committee on Elective Exchange (SCOEE) was founded, which in 1998 changed its name to the Standing Committee on Research Exchange (SCORE). Although both SCOPE and SCORE are exchanges, this comparison fails to capture the main aspect of SCORE which makes it stand out, the fact that it deals with research. Although overlooked in many medical school curricula, research has been gaining in importance recently, especially with the advent of Evidence Based Medicine (EBM). Having research experience, not to mention publications in medical journals, is held in high regard by residency programs and hospitals.

SCORE provides the medical students with a unique possibility to experience a clinical or pre-clinical research in a foreign country. The student is incorporated in a research team and conducts a research work under the supervision of a certain tutor. The student will be guided through the basic principles of research, such as literature studies, collecting information, scientific writing, laboratory work, statistics and ethical aspects. The research project itself deepens the specific knowledge in the field of the student's interest. The possibility of doing the research abroad contributes to the broadening of the students' professional and human horizon; it introduces a different approach to research, medical education, health care and ethics to the student. Through this international exchange program, SCORE hopes to contribute to the international co-operation and understanding between the medical faculties, research institutes and - last but not least - among the students and health care professionals as the human beings.