Occasionally it becomes possible for SIU residents to participate in away rotations in various parts of the world. It is important to take measures to ensure that the resident will be safe in the educational environment. The United States Department of State issues travel advisories for every country in the world. Travel advisories apply up to four standard levels of advice, describe the risks, and provide clear actions U.S. citizens should take to help ensure their safety. The information is published at https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories.html
Advisory Levels are as follows:
Level 1 - Exercise Normal Precautions: This is the lowest advisory level for safety and security risk. There is some risk in any international travel. Conditions in other countries may differ from those in the United States and may change at any time.
LEVEL 1 ACTION: None, present to GMEC with no additional information.
Level 2 - Exercise Increased Caution: Be aware of heightened risks to safety and security. The Department of State provides additional advice for travelers in these areas in the Travel Advisory. Conditions in any country may change at any time.
Level 3 - Reconsider Travel: Avoid travel due to serious risks to safety and security. The Department of State provides additional advice for travelers in these areas in the Travel Advisory. Conditions in any country may change at any time.
LEVEL 2 AND LEVEL 3 ACTION: The Office of Graduate Medical Education (OGME) will provide the specific advisory information to the program director and resident for review. If they determine that the benefit of the experience outweighs the risk, the rotation will be presented to GMEC for review with the specific warning information. GMEC will make the determination of whether or not to approve the rotation.
Level 4 – Do Not Travel: This is the highest advisory level due to greater likelihood of life-threatening risks. During an emergency, the U.S. government may have very limited ability to provide assistance. The Department of State advises that U.S. citizens not travel to the country or to leave as soon as it is safe to do so. The Department of State provides additional advice for travelers in these areas in the Travel Advisory. Conditions in any country may change at any time.
LEVEL 4 ACTION: OGME will deny the request when received.
All residents considering an international rotation must:
- Comply with all other aspects of the Away Rotations / Elective and Required Policy. In some instances, the need for malpractice insurance may be waived by the employing hospital;
- Sign a waiver of liability for international travel;
- Obtain travel insurance, which includes a plan for emergency evacuation and if travel insurance cannot be obtained, the approval will be rescinded;
- Be up to date on their immunizations;
- Residents with J-1 visas are required to submit a notification of off-site rotation form to ECFMG at least 30 days in advance of any proposed off-site rotation that will be conducted at a location other than the Sponsoring Institution or participating sites for the training program.
No resident will be required to participate in an international rotation.
| Last Approval Date: October 19, 2018 | Effective Date: October 19, 2018 |