PC2113: Long Term Impact of a Global Pediatrics Track: A Survey of 15 Years of Track Graduates

Background: Global health education is increasingly offered during residency training. The University of Minnesota has offered a global pediatrics (GP) track to residents since 2005. Participants in the opt-in track participate in a global child health curriculum, pre-departure preparation, complete a global child health elective, and an academic project. The purpose of this study was to understand the impacts of a GP track on graduates’ career choices, clinical skills and current engagement in global health.

Methods: An electronic survey was emailed to 110 track graduates from February-April 2020. Data was analyzed with descriptive statistics and paired t-tests. The University of Minnesota Institutional Review Board reviewed the study and determined it did not meet criteria for human subjects’ research and was exempt from IRB approval.

Results: Sixty-eight track graduates completed the survey (response rate 62%). Respondents included graduates working in 17 countries, as well as engagement with immigrant and Native American populations in the United States. They described work in all areas of global health, clinical, education, research, and advocacy. In evaluating the relationship between track participation and clinical skill development, most graduates reported that the track improved their skills in eliciting cultural beliefs and preferences (95%); cost-conscious care (86%); physical exam skills (79%), and recognition of acutely ill patients (62%).
The majority of respondents (75%) indicated that participation in the track impacted their career choice. The majority (84%) planned to work in global health both before and after participating in the track. Ninety-one percent reported interest in working with underserved populations locally (+11% from before participation), 89% with underserved populations globally (+5%), 80% reported interest in incorporating public health (+24%) and 47% in incorporating research (+23%) in their careers after participating in the track.

Conclusion: Our research suggests participation in a GP track can have long-lasting impacts on participants in important areas of career development, clinical skills and commitment to global health work and underserved populations. Training in global pediatrics has the potential to contribute to improved health care and health equity locally and globally.