Internal Medicine Residency Directors Perspectives on Global Health Experiences

• Published in: The American journal of medicine Vol. 124; no. 9; pp. 881 - 885
• Main Authors: Kolars, Joseph C., MD, Halvorsen, Andrew J., MS, McDonald, Furman S., MD
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: New York, NY Elsevier Inc 01.09.2011; Elsevier; Elsevier Sequoia S.A
• Subjects: Attitude of Health Personnel; Biological and medical sciences; Curriculum; Data Collection; General aspects; Global Health; Health education; Health participants; Humans; Internal Medicine; Internal Medicine - education; International Educational Exchange; Internship and Residency - organization & administration; Medical residencies; Medical sciences; Perceptions; Physician Executives; Public health. Hygiene; Public health. Hygiene-occupational medicine; United States; World; United States; United States > US; Director; Resident (student); General practice; Perspective; Internal medicine
• ISSN: 0002-9343; 1555-7162
• DOI: 10.1016/j.amjmed.2011.04.003

There is growing interest among US medical students in global health and international rotations. Less information is known regarding interest among residents and the availability of international rotations during postgraduate training. Unlike medical school, which allows flexibility for electives, particularly in the 4th year, barriers often limit the participation of residents in international rotations. The challenges include financial barriers, the need to provide clinical service to their home institutions, limited elective time, and potential concerns about resident supervision or the quality of the educational experience. Here, Kolars et al present descriptive results from survey questions sent to all US internal medicine residency directors regarding the availability and purpose of international rotations in their programs.