TITLE:
Benefits and Challenges of a Global Health Scholars Track for Family Medicine Residents
AUTHORS:
Sultan Zain, Jas Virk, Diva Wilson, Linda Kahn, David Holmes
KEYWORDS:
Family Medicine, Global Health, Education, Curriculum, Scholars Track, Low-Income Countries
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Social Sciences,
Vol.12 No.3,
March
29,
2024
ABSTRACT: Background
and Objectives: The increase in globalization necessitates changes to the training of new generations of
physicians, who need to be qualified to address the
diversity of health challenges their patients face. The University at Buffalo Family Medicine Residency Program founded
the Global Health Scholars Track (GHST) in 2013 to address this need.
The primary purpose of this study was to
assess the benefits of the GHST perceived by family medicine residents. Methods: Family medicine residents in 2016 were surveyed to assess their self-reported
core primary care skills and perceptions about engaging in global health work.
The responses of residents in the GHST program were compared to those of
non-GHST residents. Focus groups elicited GHST residents’ perceptions regarding several aspects of their global health
track. Quantitative data were analyzed with two-sample, two-tailed t tests and qualitative data were assessed by using thematic content analysis. Results: GHST residents reported significantly higher ratings than non-GHST residents (P 0.05) for 3 of 8 global skills queried: communication, cultural
sensitivity, and the ability to handle pressure. There were also significant
differences in 8 of 25 attitudes and perceptions regarding global health work.
GHST residents indicated their global health experiences provided greater
personal motivation, cultural sensitivity, and professional skill development
than their other residency clinical experiences. Opportunities for program improvement
included increased faculty involvement and academic support. Conclusions: The GHST is effective for enhancing cultural
sensitivity, communication skills, and motivation of family medicine residents.