Status of global health fellowship training in the United States and Canada

Authors

  • Ann Evensen University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Department of Family Medicine and Community Health
  • Sean Duffy University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health
  • Russell Dawe Memorial University of Newfoundland
  • Andrea Pike Memorial University of Newfoundland
  • Brett Nelson Harvard Medical School

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.36834/cmej.56953

Keywords:

Global health, fellowship, postgraduate training

Abstract

Background: Increasing numbers of residency graduates desire global health (GH) fellowship training. However, the full extent of training options is not clear.

 

Objective: To identify clinical GH fellowships in all specialties in the U.S. and Canada and to describe their demographics, innovative features, and challenges.

 

Methods: The authors surveyed program directors or designees from GH fellowships with a web-based tool in 2017. Program directors reported demographics and program characteristics.

 

Results: The authors identified 85 potential programs. Fifty-four programs (63.5%) responded confirming 50 fellowships. The number of U.S. GH fellowship programs increased by 89.7% since 2010. One-third of fellowships accepted graduates from more than one specialty. The most common single-specialty programs were Emergency Medicine or Family Medicine. Fellowship duration was most commonly 24 months. Median size was one fellow per year. Funding and lack of qualified applicants were significant challenges. Most programs were funded through fellow billing for patient care or other means of self-support.  

 

Conclusions: The number of U.S. and Canadian GH fellowship programs has nearly doubled since 2010. Programs reported lack of funding and qualified applicants as their most significant challenges. Consensus amongst stakeholders regarding training requirements may improve outcomes for future fellows, their employers, and the patients they serve.

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Author Biographies

Ann Evensen, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Department of Family Medicine and Community Health

Associate Professor and Director of Global Health, Department of Family Medicine and Community Health

Sean Duffy, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health

Clinical Instructor, Department of Family Medicine and Community Health

Russell Dawe, Memorial University of Newfoundland

Assistant Professor of Family Medicine and Director, Care of Underserved Populations Enhanced Skills Program

Andrea Pike, Memorial University of Newfoundland

Research Manager, Primary Healthcare Research Unit

Brett Nelson, Harvard Medical School

Associate Professor, Divisions of Global Health and Neonatology and Department of Pediatrics

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Published

2019-11-28

How to Cite

1.
Evensen A, Duffy S, Dawe R, Pike A, Nelson B. Status of global health fellowship training in the United States and Canada. Can. Med. Ed. J [Internet]. 2019 Nov. 28 [cited 2024 Oct. 10];10(4):e80-e95. Available from: https://journalhosting.ucalgary.ca/index.php/cmej/article/view/56953

Issue

Section

Brief Reports