Jennifer Watts1, Christiana Russ2, Nicole E St Clair3, Omolara Thomas Uwemedimo4. 1. Department of Emergency Medicine, Children's Mercy Hospital, Children's Mercy Kansas City, Kansas City, Mo. Electronic address: jwatts@cmh.edu. 2. Department of Hospital Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Mass. 3. Department of Hospital Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisc. 4. Cohen Children's Medical Center of New York, Omolara Uwemedimo, Lake Success, NY.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: The number of pediatric Global Health (GH) tracks has more than doubled in less than 10 years. The goal of this study was to describe the characteristics of the pediatric GH tracks to identify commonalities and differences in track structure, funding, and education. In addition, we also identified demographic, institutional, and residency-related factors that were significantly associated with educational offerings and logistical challenges. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was electronically administered to pediatric residency programs with GH tracks. Statistical analyses included frequencies to describe GH track characteristics. Fisher's exact tests were used to identify bivariate associations between track structure and funding with educational offerings and logistical challenges. RESULTS: Leaders of 32 pediatric GH tracks (67%) completed the survey. The majority of GH tracks were completed within the 3 years of residency (94%) and identified a GH track director (100%); however, tracks varied in size, enrollment methods, domestic and international partnerships, funding, and evaluations. Dedicated faculty time and GH track budget amounts were associated with more robust infrastructure pertaining to resident international electives, including funding and mentorship. Many tracks did not meet American Academy of Pediatrics recommended standards for clinical international rotations. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the presence of multiple similarities among pediatric GH tracks, there are large variations in track structure, education, and funding. The results from this study support the proposal of a formal definition and minimum standards for a GH track, which may provide a framework for quality, consistency, and comparison of GH tracks.
OBJECTIVE: The number of pediatric Global Health (GH) tracks has more than doubled in less than 10 years. The goal of this study was to describe the characteristics of the pediatric GH tracks to identify commonalities and differences in track structure, funding, and education. In addition, we also identified demographic, institutional, and residency-related factors that were significantly associated with educational offerings and logistical challenges. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was electronically administered to pediatric residency programs with GH tracks. Statistical analyses included frequencies to describe GH track characteristics. Fisher's exact tests were used to identify bivariate associations between track structure and funding with educational offerings and logistical challenges. RESULTS: Leaders of 32 pediatric GH tracks (67%) completed the survey. The majority of GH tracks were completed within the 3 years of residency (94%) and identified a GH track director (100%); however, tracks varied in size, enrollment methods, domestic and international partnerships, funding, and evaluations. Dedicated faculty time and GH track budget amounts were associated with more robust infrastructure pertaining to resident international electives, including funding and mentorship. Many tracks did not meet American Academy of Pediatrics recommended standards for clinical international rotations. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the presence of multiple similarities among pediatric GH tracks, there are large variations in track structure, education, and funding. The results from this study support the proposal of a formal definition and minimum standards for a GH track, which may provide a framework for quality, consistency, and comparison of GH tracks.
Authors: Michael B Pitt; Tina M Slusher; Sophia P Gladding; Risha Moskalewicz; Cynthia R Howard Journal: Am J Trop Med Hyg Date: 2020-01 Impact factor: 2.345
Authors: Caitlin Kaeppler; Peter Holmberg; Reena P Tam; Kelsey Porada; Shanna D Stryker; Kate Conway; Charles Schubert Journal: BMC Med Educ Date: 2021-07-15 Impact factor: 2.463