Currently, WVSOM is affiliated with six service organizations that work to offer elective rotations in 23 different countries.
The RIM Center’ s mission is to help promote interest in and aid in the recruitment of students and physicians who desire to practice in rural, underserved communities at home and abroad. In doing this, the center aids WVSOM in producing osteopathic physicians who are culturally experienced and globally functioning.
Waddell said it has been shown that medical students who participate in international service projects are more likely to enter primary care specialties and practice in rural areas, both key components of WVSOM’ s mission. where her knowledge of medical Spanish would be useful.
“ I have been interested in global health and international travel since 2012. When this opportunity presented itself, I didn’ t hesitate to start the process,” Kelley said.“ I think it’ s important to have a basic understanding of medical systems in other countries and how they solve problems in resource-poor areas. You never know when the tips and tricks you learn will be beneficial in your own practice.”
“ Once you have stepped out of your comfort zone and into a more resource-poor environment and experienced other cultures and people, you have immense personal growth,” Waddell said.“ In all the international work I’ ve done, the personal growth is huge. When students return, they have that in the back of their minds and in their hearts, and that’ s one of the things they want to continue to do, so they’ re more likely to practice in primary care or rural areas.”
Megan Kelley, a Class of 2025 student, completed her first international rotation at a clinic in Roatan, Honduras, in March. She said she was interested in having an immersive experience
West Virginia Medical Journal • June 2025 • 25