Saint Anthony Hospital has formed an innovative teaching affiliation with 2017 University of Chicago New Venture Challenge Winner, AMOpportunities, to provide international medical students hospital-based clinical rotations.  The partnership establishes a new pipeline to address the growing need for foreign-trained physicians to train and practice at U.S. community hospitals in light of the U.S. physician shortage.

Nearly 30% of United States physicians are foreign-trained, with healthcare having the largest proportion of foreign-born workers of all major industries. The United States attracts the top students from medical school classes around the world and clinical rotations are their entry point into the U.S. healthcare system. 

“This affiliation is the first of its kind, as traditionally hospitals partner with individual schools creating a single pipeline. This makes it difficult for many hospitals to attract the top talent from the largest pool,” said Kyle Swinsky, CEO of AMOpportunities. “Saint Anthony is partnering with us to provide rotations to the top students from any schools. This is possible due to AMOpportunities’ software’s screening, application, and matching abilities.” 

These clinical rotations are a critical required component of a medical student’s education. Further, clinical experience in the United States is required for international medical trainees wishing to practice at American residency programs.  

“One of the several features of Saint Anthony Hospital that make it a progressive organization is its robust education environment. Over the years, SAH has helped produce excellent physicians, a good number of them from other countries, and who eventually went on to serve our communities here in the United States, “ said Romeen Lavani, MD, Vice President of Business Development, and Chairman of Pediatrics and Medical Education for Saint Anthony Hospital.  “This new partnership with AMO will give SAH the opportunity to train some of the best medical students from highly prestigious schools around the world.“

Under the new partnership, international medical students will attend clinical rotations in all specialties for six to twelve-week clerkships and four-week electives. These rotations will take place at Saint Anthony Hospital located in Chicago.