Rural Rotations & Pacific Experience

Rural Rotations

AHEC is actively assisting medical residents, students, and their respective departments with rural rotations.

For non-UH students, we do not set up rotations, each student needs to do that on her/his own. We recommend contacting Community Health Centers, especially on neighboring islands other than Oahu. Information on the different health centers can be found at https://www.hawaiipca.net/. You are also responsible for setting up your own travel and lodging, although some sites have lodging available or may know of hosted housing. Once you are accepted for a rotation, AHEC allocates $250 a year per student for travel to Hawai’i for their rotation.

Required documents to receive the $250.00: Completed WH-1 form (see below), Travel and lodging original receipts to/while in Hawai’i, & Official letter of acceptance from the supervising rotation site

Please send all completed documents or questions you may have to to ahec@hawaii.edu

Pacific Experience

The Pacific Basin Experience allows second year medical students to live in one of the four US Affiliated Pacific Islands or on neighbor islands of Hawaiʻi for 4 weeks. You will gain cultural awareness and understanding as part of an inter-professional team in a rural setting.

Travel expenses, housing, and shared car rental are all reimbursed.

Evaluation is based on students being present and engaged, submitting joint research findings, and informing course director of potential improvements to the course. There is no minimum or maximum number of students, as attendance is usually limited only by available funding and interest. This is a moderately self directed experience, within a framework of local on-the-ground contacts and identified research opportunities. All students who participate must buy supplemental travel medical coverage in case of special transportation is needed for medical purposes. If a student does not adequately participate, they will need to write a 10 page paper documenting health challenges of Pacific migrants in Hawaii.

Download Application

The trip was an absolutely wonderful medical and cultural experience. I cannot express in words my gratitude for you both and the AHEC for making this possible. My time on Molokai will definitely shape my future career path.

Past Participant, Molokai

Frequently Asked Questions

Your Content Goes Here

1) How do I apply for a rural rotation?

Click here to complete the online AHEC Rural Rotation Application & Policy. In addition to filling out the application, please complete the WH-1 form located below:

Download “WH1-2020.pdf”

WH1-2020.pdf – Downloaded 254 times – 593.38 KB

2) What are the requirements?

AHEC is actively assisting medical students, residents, and their respective departments with rural rotations.  Opportunities and financial assistance are available on a first come, first served basis and is limited.  Applications must be submitted a minimum of 3-4 months prior to desired rotation dates. Please note for rotations that are not currently offered, additional time may be required to accommodate request (time may vary).  Rotation dates must be a minimum of 4 consecutive weeks (unless otherwise approved in advance).  Resident physicians must be a PGY2 level or higher (unless otherwise approved in advance).

3) Are non-University of Hawai’i learners eligible?

Yes.  Non-University of Hawai`i (UH) learners, will receive a maximum stipend of $250 a year per student for travel (only) to Hawai`i.  Examples of accepted non-UH learners include: PA/APRN/Allied Health and Public Health Students.  Financial assistance is available on a first come, first served basis and is limited.

4) What locations are available for rural rotations?

Locations include: American Samoa, Guam, Hilo, Kauai, Maui, Palau, and Pohnpei.

The Rural Healthcare Training Initiative allows second year medical students to live in one of the US Affiliated Pacific Island communities for a month to gain cultural awareness and understanding, as well as shadow medical providers and learn the many challenges and rewards of rural health care.

5) What are the procedures for lodging and transportation arrangements?

All reservations (lodging and transportation) must be made at least 2 months prior (we recommend submitting applications 3-4 months before intended rotation dates to allow approval time for processing).

FIRST, consult with AHEC on options available that are close to sites (AHEC staff member MUST make sure to maintain current list of contacts at sites, including information about possible lodging venues)

2 QUOTES (unless assigned by AHEC) are required for both lodging and transportation options.

Prior approval MUST be given in writing prior to booking (Failure to comply will result in non-reimbursement)

6) Is mileage or food costs reimbursed?

A: No.  Mileage will not be reimbursed except under specific circumstances.  Food costs are not reimbursed.

7) What is a price quote screenshot?

8) How do I take a screenshot of my price quote?

If you’re using a cellphone, press and hold the home and power button at the same time for a few seconds. You should see a white shutter, which means you’ve captured your screen.

If you’re using a PC, press and hold the “Print Screen” or “Prt Scr” button on your keyboard. You may need to press an additional key at the same time for a few seconds.

If you’re using a MAC, press and hold the “Command” button, “Shift” button, and “3” button at the same time for a few seconds.