Majd Zayzafoon, M.D., Ph.D., MBA has been appointed to the newly created positions of director of International Medical Education in the School of Medicine and director of International Education in the Office of the Senior Vice Provost, effective Feb. 1, 2016. In his position as director of International Medical Education, Zayzafoon will assist Craig Hoesley, M.D., senior associate dean and chair of medical education, in leading the School of Medicine’s effort to expand its international health footprint and impact in medical education. As director of International Education, Zayzafoon will assist the Senior Vice Provost, Suzanne Austin, Ph.D., UAB senior vice provost, in leading the university’s efforts to expand and coordinate international education initiatives.
“Unlike many other academic organizations that unintentionally create a divide between local and global education, UAB recognizes that global education is in fact a vital component of an effective local education system. I am honored to have the opportunity to serve UAB as the director of International Education and director of International Medical Education,” Zayzafoon said.
“He has already demonstrated his commitment to and impressive vision for our international efforts here at UAB,” said Selwyn M. Vickers, M.D., senior vice president for Medicine and dean of the School of Medicine. “I have full confidence that he will set a clear strategic direction for both UAB and the School of Medicine.”
Specifically for the School of Medicine, Dr. Zayzafoon will focus on several key areas, including:
- the International Visiting Medical Student Clinical Program to launch in May 2016
- the International Visiting Medical Student Research Program
- the ongoing International Pre-Residency Fellowship Training Program
- coordinating SOM students’ international clinical rotations and research activities
international research partnerships with countries that are currently in the process of strengthening their science base.
“We have a lot of work ahead. Together, with UAB students, faculty and staff we will develop many new programs, such as student and faculty exchange programs and international research partnerships,” Zayzafoon said. “We have just announced a new program Medical Student Enrichment Program that provides medical students with short-term service and training opportunities in developing countries and underserved areas throughout the world.”
Zayzafoon says that international education will not only help visiting students, but will also provide our own students and faculty with the opportunity to advance their knowledge and research, and promote intercultural understanding.