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Pediatric Orthopaedic Observerships in North America for International Surgeons: The Visitor's Perspective.
- Source :
-
The Journal of bone and joint surgery. American volume [J Bone Joint Surg Am] 2021 Apr 07; Vol. 103 (7), pp. e26. - Publication Year :
- 2021
-
Abstract
- Background: There is substantial disparity in access to surgical care worldwide that largely impacts children in resource-limited environments. Although it has been suggested that surgeons in high-income countries work alongside their overseas peers to bridge this gap, there is limited information regarding the impact of pediatric orthopaedic observerships that are available to international surgeons. This study aimed to assess the perceived impact of such visitations on overseas surgeons, including their professional development and clinical practice.<br />Methods: A survey was distributed to overseas surgeons who participated in a pediatric orthopaedic observership in North America in the years 2009 to 2019. Details were collected regarding each respondent's demographics and observership program, and the impact of this short-term clinical experience as perceived by the visiting surgeon.<br />Results: Of the 181 international surgeons from 56 countries who participated in a pediatric orthopaedic observership, most were young male surgeons residing in a middle-income nation. The majority of surgeons observed in outpatient clinics (98%) and in the operating room (96%) and attended educational in-house conferences (92%). Most observers (75%) acknowledged gaining relevant orthopaedic knowledge and clinical skills that improved local patient care, and nearly all (99%) shared the newly acquired knowledge with their peers and trainees. Most (97%) were still living and working in the country that had been their residence at the time of their observership. No noteworthy trends were identified between the income classification of the surgeons' country of residence and their ability to incorporate the acquired skills into their practice.<br />Conclusions: Participating in a North American pediatric orthopaedic observership has a positive perceived impact on the majority of visiting surgeons, with potential gains in clinical skills and knowledge that likely benefit their patients, peers, and trainees. Such participation does not contribute to substantial brain drain and may assist with local capacity building. Identifying ways to increase access to such educational opportunities, particularly for surgeons from lower-income countries, should be explored further.<br />Competing Interests: Disclosure: This study was supported in part by a Pediatric Orthopaedic Society of North America (POSNA) Micro Grant. The Disclosure of Potential Conflicts of Interest forms are provided with the online version of the article (http://links.lww.com/JBJS/G247).<br /> (Copyright © 2020 by The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery, Incorporated.)
- Subjects :
- Adolescent
Adult
Aged
Clinical Competence statistics & numerical data
Education, Medical, Continuing statistics & numerical data
Female
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
North America
Orthopedic Surgeons statistics & numerical data
Orthopedics organization & administration
Pediatrics organization & administration
Societies, Medical organization & administration
Surveys and Questionnaires statistics & numerical data
Young Adult
Education, Medical, Continuing organization & administration
International Cooperation
Musculoskeletal Diseases surgery
Orthopedic Procedures education
Orthopedic Surgeons education
Subjects
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 1535-1386
- Volume :
- 103
- Issue :
- 7
- Database :
- MEDLINE
- Journal :
- The Journal of bone and joint surgery. American volume
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 33337820
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.2106/JBJS.20.01464