Unfortunately, we are unable to provide scholarship for students who are not a part of the Recognition of Distinction in Global Health program.

Yes! The Recognition of Distinction in Global Health program is open to MS1, and MS2. Students that are in the class of 2026 may be considered if there is interest. Contact RDGH@uab.edu if interested.

If you are a part of the Recognition of Distinction in Global Health program, you can work alongside UAB IME to create a student-structured international elective in the country of your choice during your MS4 year.

If you are not a part of the program, you are welcome to create an independent student-structured elective, pending approval via Heersink School of Medicine, Education Abroad, and UAB IME.

Yes! If you have already completed MSEP prior to the distinction program, or if you have already completed an international elective during the program, you can do another in MS4.

However, please do note that scholarship opportunities for international electives will give preference to students who have not previously received funding for MSEP or an international elective. Students who are looking to do a second elective and had previous scholarship will be considered for another scholarship pending remaining availability after first-time student funds have been awarded.

Yes, there will be scholarship opportunities available for students accepted into our Recognition of Distinction in Global Health program.

Please note: Preference for scholarships will be given to students who have not yet done their international elective. Students who had already received a scholarship for a prior MSEP elective, or international elective will be considered after first-time students, pending remaining availability.

No. Previous acceptance into any previous programs does not guarantee acceptance into the Recognition of Distinction in Global Health.

A Global Health Discovery Project is a smaller research project that you would complete in addition to your Scholarly Activity. This project would be completed alongside either a faculty mentor who is doing research in global health or with Dr. Zayzafoon focusing on global health and the UN SDGs.

In the Recognition of Distinction in Global Health program, you have the ability to either structure your scholarly activity with a focus on your chosen UN SDG, or to do a Global Health Discovery Project in addition to your Scholarly Activity.

If you are unable to complete an international elective, and have received scholarship for that elective, you may be responsible for returning the scholarship to International Medical Education.

If you are MS1, you will have the opportunity to do an international elective in your MS4 year to fulfill the international elective requirement of the program, pending your academic status.

If you are unable to complete an international elective for any reason, and have received scholarship for that elective, you may be responsible for returning the scholarship to International Medical Education. Your elective will then need to be rescheduled to your MS4 year.

If you have not received academic approval, approval from Education Abroad, and approval from the International Medical Education office, you cannot travel for UAB nor can you receive credit for your elective.

You can still travel and take part in your opportunity, but it would not be through UAB, you would not be able to receive credit, and you would not be able to retroactively receive approvals for credit.