Family Medicine Students

M1 MECO

Medical Education in Community Orientation (MECO) is a program for UI medical students after their M1 year. Students spend 4 - 12 weeks in an Iowa community hospital. They observe and work with physicians in various specialties and are immersed in the medical community. Specific arrangements are the responsibility of the individual hospital and may vary. Most hospitals provide lodging and some provide board as well. A competitive stipend is also provided. Students may work for 4 - 12 weeks. Information about MECO is distributed to students in approximately February of their M1 year. Students then review the information files about MECO sites, including evaluations from previous students, and request preferred sites. Students are randomly computer-matched with sites.

MECO is very highly rated by students. Over 90% of students participating rated these areas as Good or Very Good (the highest choices):

Amount/variety of patient contact/clinical experiences
Quality of teaching of physicians
Enthusiasm, helpfulness of other health professionals
Overall rating of MECO as a medical learning experience

Contact MECO coordinator Laina Edwards for more information.

2008 MECO sites

Last modification date: Tue Oct 21 11:08:48 2008
URL: http://www.uihealthcare.com /depts/med/familymedicine/students/m1.html