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OBGYN training and global health: initial results of an international OBGYN residency program partnership
Steve Rad, MD
Michele H. Eno, MD , Edward P. Tangchitnob, MD , Lia B. LaBrant, MD , Mugyenyi G. Rwambuka, MD , Dotun Ogunyemi, MD
Objective: To describe our experience with integrating an international collaboration and global health experience into residency training.
Methods: In December 2010, during a global health mission to Uganda, an international collaboration was initiated between the OBGYN Residency Training Programs in Los Angeles and in Mbarara, Uganda. Mbarara University Hospital has approximately 10,000 deliveries per year, HIV rate of 10%, cesarean delivery rate of 30%, maternal mortality rate of 425/100,000, and stillbirth rate of 29/1000. The goals of the collaboration included: 1) Monthly International residency clinical and educational videoconference; 2) Assessment and advancement of Residency curriculum and patient care in Mabara University; 3) Faculty exchange and development programs; and 4) Collaborative research projects.
Results: Goal 1: The monthly international maternal-fetal morbidity and mortality videoconference (M&M) was developed and started in January 2011. The format included a clinical case presentation, clinical case discussion, lecture on the clinical case, and a questions segment (see table). A needs assessment and faculty/resident survey was performed after 6 months. The results showed that faculty/residents strongly agreed/agreed that the conference is innovative and unique (80%), educational (60%), teaches different diseases and how to care for patients using limited resources (70%), raises compassion and awareness about global health disparities (70%), promotes pursuit of global health in the future (70%), and should be expanded (80%). Both sites felt that the Internet connection, clarity, and hardware (microphone, camera, and computer) needed to be improved. No one thought it should be cancelled.
Goal 2: While in Uganda, based on a needs assessment, the residents were given a hands-on course on fetal ultrasound and fetal heart rate monitoring.
Goal 3: A faculty from Uganda was sponsored to attend a United States national scientific conference.
Goal 4: We have started the framework for joint research and have identified projects that will be implemented.
Our action plan has included providing hardware to Uganda. A follow-up global health mission is planned in 4 weeks, at which we plan to focus collaborative research and clinical education.
Conclusions: Global health training and exposure for residents can be effectively integrated and can improve the experiences in OBGYN residency program. An international educational videoconference can be implemented and maintained with minimal resources. We plan to further develop and expand our program.
Topics:
CREOG & APGO Annual Meeting, 2012, Resident, Residency Director, Residency Coordinator, Patient Care, Systems-Based Practice & Improvement, Practice-Based Learning & Improvement, GME, Quality & Safety, Global Health, Public Health,
