Why Pursue a Distinction?

The Areas of Distinction program at UAB Heersink School of Medicine is designed to allow students to personalize their educational experience and be recognized for building expertise in their area of interest.

International Medical Education offers two distinction programs that uphold the mission of our school while aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs).

Students will be able to complete the requirements for either distinction in a number of different ways, but all will have completed focused educational experiences in several categories of activities including training elements, patient care and community service, education, and research.

Please Note: Students can graduate with only one distinction on their medical degree.

Why Choose Global Health?

The Recognition of Distinction in Global Health (RDGH) aims to recognize medical students who demonstrate exceptional knowledge in global health, cultivate a strong service orientation toward global health communities, and develop critical thinking skills to address global health challenges.

Through this distinction, students will complete training elements (seminars and global health modules), patient care and community service, education (peer education and mentorship), research (a global health reflection), and an international clinical or research elective.

The international elective fosters research and educational partnerships through networking. Relationships with faculty facilitators and clinicians gained while studying abroad often lead to novel research concepts and lifelong professional friendships.

In order to participate in an international elective created and sponsored by IME, students must be accepted into RDGH.

Students who wish to go abroad independent of RDGH may do so through student structured electives.

Learn more about both now!

Recognition of Distinction in Global Health    Student Structured Opportunities

Why Choose Innovation and Entrepreneurship?

The Distinction in Innovation and Entrepreneurship in Medicine (DIEM) provides a structured pathway for students interested in designing and delivering solutions to real-world healthcare challenges.

Through this distinction, students integrate clinical insight with innovative thinking and entrepreneurial skillsets to address health inequities, improve systems of care, and contribute to global health goals such as those outlined by the UN SDGs, specifically #3, #9, #10, and #17.

Students will do this by completing training elements (seminars and/or special topics courses), patient care and community service, education (peer mentorship), and research (an innovative business proposal).

Learn more about DIEM now!

Distinction in Innovation and Entrepreneurship in Medicine