Student Elective Term (SET)
For graduate students in healthcare professions
Sponsored by the MHF Mobilization for Mission Fund

Mennonite Healthcare Fellowship is committed to carrying on the tradition started by Mennonite Medical Association (MMA) to sponsor opportunities for students training for healthcare professions to serve in under-served areas, especially third world cross‑cultural mission/service settings.  The Student Elective Term (SET) program is open to graduate students and residents in all healthcare professions. The following information pertains to medical and dental students, and is in the process of revision as we work to expand the program to students in other healthcare professions. 

Most medical students have an elective term (approximately two months) during or after their third year. This is an opportunity for students to not only enrich their medical training, but also to make a meaningful contribution in the delivery of health care in a setting that offers opportunity for a Christian witness.

Program:  The program utilizes sites in third world countries as well as underdeveloped communities in other geographical areas.  MHF offers travel subsidies to help make such service possible.  It also provides facilitation and coordination in cooperation with various Christian agencies.

The physicians on the field at MHF-approved sites have the qualifications and experience to serve as preceptors, allowing our SET assignees to usually get medical school approval and credit for the elective.  Some preceptors have advanced training and many years of experience in treating tropical diseases. 

This offers the student not only an exposure to third world service and missions but also to a wide range of diseases not frequently encountered in medical school.  It opens the door to responsible practice of medicine that merits academic credit. 

Administration:  In consultation with the Council of International Ministries (CIM) or other agencies, students are placed in suitable locations.  Great care is taken in selecting hospital and health centers where the preceptor provides authentic guidance in the learning process. MHF is only the facilitator for these arrangements.  The administrative agency responsible for the health care facility makes the official assignment to the particular institution within its area of service.  It assumes the student will be engaged in both learning and service activities in a cooperative venture for the enhancement of the Christian cause.

Benefits:  SET gives students an opportunity to both learn and serve in a cross‑cultural setting.  One student in an evaluation of his experience said, "My experience in Haiti has added a much needed perspective to my medical education."  Another said, "It was the best thing…for my medical education; I have gained self‑confidence, calmness, common sense, and motivation to be a learning physician...”  Testimonies like these inspire members of the Mennonite Healthcare Fellowship to support this program. 

Process:  Applications are accepted from MHF members and reviewed by a process established by the Board of Directors.  Upon approval, MHF will contact the administration of the clinic/hospital of the student's choice which will need to give its approval.  Some locations require a third approval by a government official or mission agency.  After all approval requirements are met, MHF will inform the student.  The student is then responsible for making travel arrangements to the location and informing the placement of travel itinerary.  Assuming funds are available in the Mobilization for Mission Fund of MHF, a travel subsidy up to 75% of the round‑trip economy airfare can be granted.  Applicants are asked to provide a written evaluation of their experience upon their return, whereupon they are eligible for some reimbursement of living expenses.