A Longitudinal Survey of Participation in Medical Elective Rotations in Developing Nations by US-based Anesthesiology Residents
Location
Philadelphia, PA
Start Date
9-5-2018 1:00 PM
Description
International electives are a growing interest among residents in all training programs. Personal observations of anesthesia volunteers’ experiences overseas have been published, but descriptive studies regarding the effects of an international humanitarian assignment are lacking. Health Volunteers Overseas (HVO) is a private, non-governmental volunteer organization. It has long-term programs in developing countries aimed at improving education of local anesthesia providers. Clinical and didactic teaching is provided by volunteers, including residents, during a 2 to 4-week period.
The aim of this study was to gather information on the effect of a volunteer assignment on personal and professional development of resident volunteers. It is designed as a longitudinal survey (pre- and post- assignment) of a cohort of anesthesia resident volunteers participating in HVO-sponsored teaching programs abroad. The survey contains 12 questions designed to have residents report their comfort and experience level with specific teaching techniques. Residents were also asked basic demographic data and professional goals. Due to small sample, only basic descriptive statistics were utilized; the study was not successfully powered to determine the significance of these findings.
Forty-one residents were sent the survey and 33 completed it (n=33). Out of our sample of anesthesia residents, 26.85% were planning to go to academics, 19.51% private practice while 9.7% were undecided. After the HVO assignment, their career choices predictably narrowed down: 37.1% academia, 34.3% private practice, 5.7% were still undecided, 11.4% planned public health career. The vast majority of strongly agreed that “they plan to make participation in volunteer assignment abroad their career” before involvement in the volunteer assignment (88%). After the assignment, this enthusiasm was somewhat dampened since only 60% still strongly agreed with this statement.
In summary, anesthesia residents doing an international elective reported their experience as meaningful and professionally rewarding. Despite a slight decrease in the magnitude of enthusiasm, the vast majority of participants remained committed to volunteer service throughout their careers following the experience. Furthermore, by self-report, the assignment increased residents’ confidence in teaching and positively impacted their professional focus.
Embargo Period
5-31-2018
A Longitudinal Survey of Participation in Medical Elective Rotations in Developing Nations by US-based Anesthesiology Residents
Philadelphia, PA
International electives are a growing interest among residents in all training programs. Personal observations of anesthesia volunteers’ experiences overseas have been published, but descriptive studies regarding the effects of an international humanitarian assignment are lacking. Health Volunteers Overseas (HVO) is a private, non-governmental volunteer organization. It has long-term programs in developing countries aimed at improving education of local anesthesia providers. Clinical and didactic teaching is provided by volunteers, including residents, during a 2 to 4-week period.
The aim of this study was to gather information on the effect of a volunteer assignment on personal and professional development of resident volunteers. It is designed as a longitudinal survey (pre- and post- assignment) of a cohort of anesthesia resident volunteers participating in HVO-sponsored teaching programs abroad. The survey contains 12 questions designed to have residents report their comfort and experience level with specific teaching techniques. Residents were also asked basic demographic data and professional goals. Due to small sample, only basic descriptive statistics were utilized; the study was not successfully powered to determine the significance of these findings.
Forty-one residents were sent the survey and 33 completed it (n=33). Out of our sample of anesthesia residents, 26.85% were planning to go to academics, 19.51% private practice while 9.7% were undecided. After the HVO assignment, their career choices predictably narrowed down: 37.1% academia, 34.3% private practice, 5.7% were still undecided, 11.4% planned public health career. The vast majority of strongly agreed that “they plan to make participation in volunteer assignment abroad their career” before involvement in the volunteer assignment (88%). After the assignment, this enthusiasm was somewhat dampened since only 60% still strongly agreed with this statement.
In summary, anesthesia residents doing an international elective reported their experience as meaningful and professionally rewarding. Despite a slight decrease in the magnitude of enthusiasm, the vast majority of participants remained committed to volunteer service throughout their careers following the experience. Furthermore, by self-report, the assignment increased residents’ confidence in teaching and positively impacted their professional focus.