Overcoming challenges to develop pediatric postgraduate training programs in low- and middle-income countries.

BACKGROUND: Interest is growing in strengthening postgraduate medical education in low-income countries. The purpose of this study was to understand how postgraduate pediatric training programs are developed in countries with no or few pediatric training opportunities. The authors sought to describe and compare a purposive sample of such new programs, and identify challenges and solutions for successful program establishment and sustainability.
METHODS: The authors queried national pediatric email lists and the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) accredited pediatric residency programs in the United States to identify four pediatric training programs that met study criteria. All four programs responded to a questionnaire with quantitative and qualitative components. Qualitative responses were analyzed for themes.
RESULTS: Four centers - in Kenya, Laos, Eritrea and Cambodia - met study criteria. Reported challenges to program development and sustainability centered on faculty development and retention, training in pediatric subspecialties, creating pipelines for applicants and graduates, and funding. These themes were used to develop a logic model, which provides a framework for planning, implementing and evaluating new postgraduate general pediatric training program in low-income countries. DISCUSSION: This study compares four postgraduate general pediatric training programs that were recently established and now continue to graduate pediatric residents in low-income countries. Lessons derived from these programs may help guide practice and research for other centers seeking to establish similar programs.