Title
Sustained impact of short-term international medical mission trips: Resident perspectives
Abbreviated Journal Title
Med. Teach.
Keywords
GLOBAL HEALTH; OPPORTUNITIES; ELECTIVES; GLOBALIZATION; VOLUNTEERISM; STUDENTS; MODEL; WORK; Education, Scientific Disciplines; Health Care Sciences & Services
Abstract
Purpose: To assess perspectives of residents: (1) who participated in short-term international medical mission trips (STIMMTs) as medical students regarding impact of the experiences on their professional development; and (2) who did not participate in STIMMTs regarding barriers to participation. Methods: Three hundred seventy-nine residents from 16 programs at two Florida institutions completed surveys requesting Participant and Trip Details and Impact of Participation (including items rating learning, cultural competency, and social responsibility). Results: One hundred thirty-one residents participated in at least one STIMMT. They identified improved adaptability to new healthcare settings, communication with patients and professionals from different backgrounds, and appreciation for the impact of culture on health as positive outcomes. Leading barriers to STIMMT participation included cost, timing, and lack of availability. Conclusions: Years after participation in STIMMTs, residents perceived sustained benefits in cultural competency, communication skills, adaptability, and desire for service. Institutions may consider facilitating STIMMTs as one way to address standards specified by accrediting authorities to provide training in cultural competency, social responsibility, altruism, and understanding the importance of caring for underserved populations. Barriers to STIMMT participation may be reduced through availability of institution-sponsored scholarships, identification of external grant and scholarship opportunities, and coordination of fund-raising activities.
Journal Title
Medical Teacher
Volume
36
Issue/Number
12
Publication Date
1-1-2014
Document Type
Article
Language
English
First Page
1057
Last Page
1063
WOS Identifier
ISSN
0142-159X
Recommended Citation
"Sustained impact of short-term international medical mission trips: Resident perspectives" (2014). Faculty Bibliography 2010s. 6238.
https://stars.library.ucf.edu/facultybib2010/6238
Comments
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