Fostering Knowledge Transfer to Strengthen the Surgical Workforce in LMIC: Lessons Learned from an International Observership Program
Nancy Valencia-Rojas, Michel B Aboutanos, Edgar B Rodas
Citation Information :
Valencia-Rojas N, Aboutanos MB, Rodas EB. Fostering Knowledge Transfer to Strengthen the Surgical Workforce in LMIC: Lessons Learned from an International Observership Program. Panam J Trauma Crit Care Emerg Surg 2021; 10 (2):61-65.
Introduction: Virginia Commonwealth University and the Panamerican Trauma Society have worked collaboratively for 10 years in strategies focused on facilitating knowledge transfer and sharing with the ultimate goal of enhancing knowledge-base in the field of surgery, trauma, acute care, and EMS for physicians-in-training from Latin America countries. The International Observership Program (IOP) allows participants to rotate in a level 1 trauma facility and to observe all the interconnected components of a comprehensive trauma care cycle. This article describes and analyzes the limitations and lessons learned while running the IOP and offers a path for other academic institutions in high-income countries that may are interested in supporting knowledge-sharing initiatives and career development of the surgical workforce in LMICs.
Conclusion: LMIC surgical trainees can benefit from international rotations. Knowledge-sharing initiatives targeting foreign medical providers can be effective in increasing awareness of best practices for emergency and acute care and the importance of the components of comprehensive trauma systems. The goal should always be to tailor training efforts to meet the needs of LMICs and not merely to replicate the highly specialized care offered in U.S. institutions.
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