The Impact of Integrating International Students into Military Medical Education and Training

BACKGROUND: Global interconnectedness has led to an increasing reliance on international coalitions for military and peacetime operations. Effective collaboration among multinational partners is essential for success in these contexts, yet the potential benefits of internationalization within military medical education and training are unknown. To close this gap, this study explored the experiences of military health professions students integrating with international partners during a high-fidelity military medical exercise, Operation Bushmaster, conducted by the Uniformed Services University (USU).

METHODS: We used a qualitative case study approach to explore the experiences of military health professions students training alongside international peers during Operation Bushmaster. We conducted more than 70 hours of observations, interviewed ten USU students during the exercise, and reviewed these students' written reflections on their experiences. We then used the constant comparison method to come to a consensus on patterns within our interview and observational data, which we organized into themes.

RESULTS: Five themes emerged as the results of our study. Our participants reported that integrating with international students in their training at Operation Bushmaster: (1) enhanced fidelity of the exercise, (2) provided opportunity to practice cross-national interoperability and develop positive working relationships with international students, (3) broadened perspectives of international relations, (4) increased personal and professional development, and (5) sparked desire for future collaboration.

CONCLUSION: Our results reveal the value of involving international partners in preparing military health professions students for future coalition operations, ultimately enhancing their professional development and readiness. Expanding such opportunities may further strengthen military medical readiness in the increasingly interconnected global landscape.