Mar. 14, 2015 @ 01:01 AM

The Herald-Dispatch

HUNTINGTON - Marshall University's Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine and St George's University of London Medical School have signed an agreement to begin a new education program that allows medical students from each school to study at the partner institutions.

Under the new partnership, up to 30 St George's students will initially be selected to spend their clinical years at Marshall.

Marshall students will be allowed to opt for medical electives and research experiences at the London school, according to a release.

"This initiative was really an outgrowth of President Stephen Kopp's vision to expose Marshall University students to a more global experience and is certainly representative of his legacy," said Joseph I. Shapiro, M.D., dean of Marshall's medical school. "Many months ago, through the collaboration with INTO University Partnerships that operate on both Marshall and St George's campuses, we were able to start a dialogue which has led to this revolutionary partnership. It will have amazing educational and cultural benefits for our students and those at St George's."

Beginning in August, the first cohort of St George's students will start clerkships and rotations at Marshall. Conversely, St George's will be open to first-year and fourth-year Marshall medical students to begin electives and special research experiences, although Marshall students will not be permitted to complete courses that are required for graduation in the United States.

"As the UK's only university dedicated to medicine and health care we are absolutely committed to ensuring tomorrow's doctors are fully equipped to deliver health care internationally," said Peter Kopelman, principal of St George's University of London. "We welcome this agreement, which provides students from both universities with a unique trans-Atlantic opportunity to gain greater understanding of global health issues."

Bobby Miller, M.D., vice dean of medical education at Marshall, said St George's is one of the United Kingdom's largest medical teaching institutions and the agreement provides for incredible learning opportunities.

"Marshall students who choose to study an elective or opt for a research experience at St George's will see a different model for health care and research," Miller said. "And, of course, the influence of St George's students, many of whom are from countries other than England, will provide a culturally diverse experience for our Marshall students here at home."

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MU partners with London med school