The Open Medical Institute of the AAF - Medical Education without Borders
AAF's largest program, the Open Medical Institute (OMI) is a global initiative founded by the American Austrian Foundation, Weill Medical College, NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital and the Open Society Institute.
OMI's objective is to expose mid-career level, English-speaking doctors from countries in transition (fellows) to Western medical knowledge and technology, offering them multiple opportunities to attend seminars and internships. This allows them to update their skills on an ongoing basis, without having to emigrate from their countries, thus preventing brain drain and promoting brain gain.
Faculty members come from: NewYork Presbyterian Hospital, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Duke University Medical Center, the Hospital for Special Surgery, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, the Cleveland Clinic and Methodist Hospital.
From 1993 to the present, 700 faculty members from these hospitals have trained more than 8,000 fellows from 90 countries including Africa and the Middle East.
Fellows attend on full scholarships and faculty members serve pro
bono.
Purpose
THE OMI is a program of the AAF where physicians and health care professionals educate colleagues from countries in transition and foster their professional growth through a Three Step Approach:
STEP ONE: KNOWLEDGE TRANSFER (Seminars)
Communicate
- Ongoing Series of Scientific Seminars
- Highly Competitive Selection Process Organized in Cooperation with OSI
- World-Renowned Faculty Donate Time and Materials
- American Didactics, English, State-of-the-Art Technology
- Small Working Groups in a Secluded Environment
- Networking Opportunities – Personal Contacts
STEP TWO: EXPERIENCE EXCHANGE (Internships)
Train the Trainers
- Hands-on Trainings in Austrian and American Hospitals for Seminar Alumni
- Learn new Techniques and Treatment Protocols
- Experience Modern Hospital and Health Care Management
- Build Personal and Professional Relationships
- Establish Joint Research Projects and Collaborative Studies
- Learn to Cope in another Health Care System/Country
STEP THREE: CAPACITY BUILDING – DISTANCE LEARNING (Open Medical Clubs)
Open the Medical Establishment
- Open access to state-of-the-art medical information
via
CD-Rom Library
Handbook Online
Videoconferences
Telemedicine
- Support and Improve Local Health Care Systems
In-Country Satellite Symposia and Conferences
Second Opinion and Patient Care Without Borders
Knowledge Transfer Locally
- Attract New Talent
OMC - Alumni Network
OMI Charter
OMI shares knowledge and experience with colleagues and health care providers
irrespective of nationality, race or religion. OMI builds friendships
and alliances across borders and continents, helping physicians and health
care providers for the benefit of all patients and citizens worldwide.