Dr. Madelon Finkel, professor of clinical public health, has been named the new director of the Office of International Medical Education (OIME) in the Office of Affiliations. Working closely with Dr. Oliver Fein, associate dean of Affiliations, Dr. Finkel will continue OIME's directives by providing students with the opportunity to study abroad.
During a 2004 visiting professorship at the University of Sydney, Dr. Finkel explored the development of an exchange agreement with its medical school. Students from both Weill Cornell and Australia expressed interest in the exchange, and two Australian medical students have already completed an application to take an elective at Weill Cornell. As director of OIME, Dr. Finkel plans to search for additional funding to support student travel and other expenses so every Weill Cornell student who wants to take an elective abroad may do so without financial hardship.
"Support for international medical educational opportunities is one of the attractive features of a Weill Cornell medical education," said Dr. Antonio Gotto, dean of Weill Cornell. "We welcome Dr Finkel in her new role."
Dr. Finkel's appointment follows the retirement of Joan May, former coordinator of the Office of International Medical Education. Ms. May, who has served Weill Cornell for more than 25 years, will remain actively involved during the transition period.