Developing an international health area of concentration in a family medicine residency.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

We sought to develop an Area of Concentration (AOC) in international health to inspire and better prepare interested residents for such experiences during residency and in the future.

METHODS

The curriculum has three phases: pre-experience preparation, the international experience, and post-experience debriefing. In the last 2 years, residents and faculty have worked in Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Mexico, and Tanzania. The three main types of experiences have been disaster relief, clinical care, and community-based primary health care.

RESULTS

Compared to only two or fewer residents participating annually prior to the establishment of the AOC, more than 30 residents and faculty have participated in an international experience in the last 2 years. Our department now has at least two established annual international experiences and has developed educational and process manuals.

CONCLUSIONS

An AOC curriculum can nurture interest and provide relevant skills that can be used in the care of vulnerable populations in the United States and abroad.