Ethical Considerations of Medical Student "Voluntourism" (Amy Du M.S.)

This presentation aims to critically assess the harms and benefits to host communities when medical students participate in medically related international service learning (ISL) and "voluntourism" experiences. The ethical ramifications of student participation in ISL and "voluntourism" are important to consider, especially because these endeavors involve vulnerable under-resourced populations. Despite charitable and altruistic intentions, medical students have limited medical decision-making knowledge and experience to balance risks and benefits of treatments. In resource-poor settings, medical students may be presented with opportunities to provide medical care beyond their level of training in the absence of adequate supervision. Additionally, students' goals to acquire clinical and language skills may not align with the best interests of the host community. The Association of American Medical Colleges' guidelines and biomedical ethics may help students critically appraise ISL or "voluntourist" opportunities, as well as personal intentions, before engaging in such experiences.
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