PC2099: A Web-based Review of Structured Global Health Programs in U.S. Allopathic and Osteopathic Medical Schools

Background: Medical schools are rapidly expanding global health (GH) opportunities to meet increased demand. As of 2011, 24% of medical schools had a structured GH program. There is no centralized database of structured medical school GH programs, yet these opportunities may influence prospective applicants. This study examines the prevalence, characteristics, and requirements of structured, longitudinal, non-degree granting GH programs in US allopathic and osteopathic medical schools.

Methods: In December 2020, each school’s GH program was found using its website search feature and, if unavailable, the Google search engine. Permutations of the following terms were used: global, international, or world; health or medicine; and certificate, track, concentration, or pathway. We excluded programs that were not open to medical students, granted a degree, and/or required extended training time.

Results: Of 189 allopathic and osteopathic schools, 81 structured GH programs at 76 (40%) institutions were identified. Thirty-four (42%) programs described learning objectives and 8 (10%) mentioned competencies in their curriculum. Fifty-nine (73%) were internally administered by
the medical school and 22 (27%) were externally administered by a separate entity within the university. When compared to externally administered programs, internally administered programs were significantly longer in duration (p < 0.01), required less coursework (p < 0.01), and a greater proportion required international experiences (p < 0.01).

Conclusion: Our review of GH programming at medical schools underscores the need for standardization in curricula to ensure that didactic, clinical, and scholarly components sufficiently prepare students for GH work. Additionally, there is a need for greater ease of GH program online accessibility
for students and educators.