Publicity/Fundraising: In nearly all instances where students take rotations outside the USA, there will be extra cost involved. Examples include the cost of transportation and lodging; medical supplies needed; travel clinic before and after the rotation itself; immunizations; travel-related insurance; and passports. Sometimes, depending on whether it is an individual or group going on the rotation, the type of clinical work being done, and local accommodations, there may be other associated costs that are unanticipated prior to arrival.
The Brody School of Medicine recognizes that additional funds for participating in international electives will need to be obtained by either the individual or the group of students. Existing policies have recently been clarified and updated concerning fundraising and publicity efforts associated with these rotations. These policies are not intended to hinder the ability to raise funds and promote activities. However, when raising funds for rotations, medical students will be expected to follow the policies and guidelines of the Medical Foundation of ECU.
Funds to support international rotations are sometimes available through the following resources:
- BSOM Rotaract Club
- Brody Scholars Fund
- Office of Generalist Programs
- Dr. Harry Adams Fund
- Rivers Endowment Fund
- ECU/BSOM Medical Foundation
When individual students, or student organizations, seek to raise funds in the form of contributions to underwrite the costs of international rotations, special care must be taken to ensure that all ECU policy and legal requirements are met.
For example, if a given student wishes to solicit donations from individuals, no statements should be made about the tax deductibility of such donations. A gift fund account has been established through the ECU Medical Foundation for the purpose of tracking and acknowledging all contributions made for international electives. It is the responsibility of the Foundation to acknowledge contributions and serve as a resource for donors regarding the tax deductibility of gifts. In order for a gift to be tax deductible, the gift must be made to the Medical Foundation of ECU. If the donor writes a check, it must be written to the Medical Foundation of ECU. In the memo section the donor can add: International Electives.
Funds received by any student in support of international rotations must be used for that purpose; they cannot be used for other activities (e.g., to purchase food for student group meetings). Any questions pertaining to fund raising "do's and don'ts" should be addressed to
Carole Novick, Interim President of the Medical Foundation, or 252-744-2238.
