International Healthcare Association
Pre-Health·Community Service/Nonprofit·Health/Wellness·Education
iHCA provides professional development for international and globally-minded students interested in healthcare, specifically addressing the unique challenges international students face when seeking a healthcare-related career in the US. Members attend panels, workshops, and general meetings covering healthcare policy, pre-med, business, and life sciences. A standout offering is the Medical Interpretation Training Program, where select members receive sponsored certification in Mandarin medical interpretation, plus opportunities to volunteer at local clinics and hospitals.
12
General membership point goal per semester (General Meeting: 2 pts, Events: 3 pts, Socials: 1 pt)
$10
General membership fee (per semester)
1
Medical Interpretation Training Program length (semesters), consisting of 8-10 classes via Zoom
1
Weekly medical interpretation training class (1-hour)
$200
Medical Interpretation certification exam cost (covered by sponsor), for the Interpreter Skills Test, sponsored by USC Keck School of Medicine
Events They Host
Global Healthcare Policy Hackathon
Student teams of 3-5 spent a weekend writing a 3-5 page policy memo on a global health question (past prompt: risk-sharing models for pandemic preparedness). Prizes awarded to winners.
Healthcare Career Panel
Invited a medical student, a business development manager at Kaiser, and a researcher from Thermo Fisher to share their experiences. Mixed interview and breakout room format.
Skaggs School of Pharmacy Event
Guest speakers from UCSD's Skaggs School of Pharmacy presented on their curriculum, application tips, and community opportunities, followed by a Q&A session. Held in person and via Zoom.
Neurotech@Berkeley Collaboration Event
Collaborative event with the Neurotech Association at Berkeley exploring how neurotechnology applies to healthcare. Held at Moffit 106, Oct 20, 2021, 6-7 PM. No RSVP required.
Border Health Talk with Professor Stephane Rousseau
Lecture by Professor Rousseau from Thammasat University Thailand (specialist in Thailand-Myanmar border health) on health crises and solutions along borders.
US Healthcare System Talk
Presentation on the US healthcare system's history and structure, with open discussions where international members shared about healthcare in their home countries.
Pre-Health x International Student Career Advice
Invited the campus Health and Pre-Med career advisor for a presentation on international student career advising, with peer-to-peer advice breakout rooms.
Resume x LinkedIn Workshop
Presentation on resume and cover letter building, covering structure, design, writing tips, and LinkedIn profile examples, targeted toward members.
Preparing for Grad School Talk
Presentations on grad school routes including medical school, PhD, PA school, MPH, and more, with open discussions throughout.
Global Health Change Makers Workshop with Prof. Harry Snyder
Invited advocacy leader and Public Health Lecturer Prof. Harry Snyder to present on his work and lead an advocacy and public policy workshop.
Thanks and Thoughts
Members made cards to thank healthcare workers around the country. Held Oct 2, 2021, 1-3 PM at the Social Sciences Building.
Member Experiences
Pumpkin Decorating Event
Members carved and decorated pumpkins for Halloween. Described as an opportunity to get to know club members. Oct 26, 2021, 7-9 PM.
Game Night Social
Game night for members, listed as a past social event.
Weekly General Meetings
Recurring Wednesday evening meetings (8-9 PM) for members throughout the semester.