International medical electives for medical students at a German university: a secondary analysis of longitudinal data

Abstract

Abstract Background International medical electives (IMEs) are entry points to global health opportunities. IME uptake at German universities is unclear. We analyse 14 y of IME. Methods Student registry data were collected. Univariate linear regression examined relationships between enrolment year and IMEs. Results The median (IQR) number of IMEs of all enrolment years was 54 (32–80) and 51 (38–67)% of all students took an IME. Enrolment year significantly predicted IME frequency and the proportion of students taking IMEs. Conclusions Student interest in IMEs is increasing. Universities should invest more broadly in IME opportunities for student, faculty and university enrichment.