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Applicability of working abroad for physicians with a specialization in Global Health and Tropical Medicine.
Özcan, Hasan; Overeem, Loes; Bakker, Maria; Telkamp, Caroline; Duvivier, Robbert; de Zeeuw, Janine; Versluis, Marco.
  • Özcan H; Radboud University, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
  • Overeem L; University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands.
  • Bakker M; Department of Paediatrics, Maasstad Ziekenhuis, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
  • Telkamp C; Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, St. Walburg's Hospital, Nyangao, Tanzania.
  • Duvivier R; Department of Health Sciences, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands.
  • de Zeeuw J; Department of Health Sciences, Global Health Unit, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands.
  • Versluis M; Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University Medical Center Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, Groningen, 9713 GZ, the Netherlands. m.a.c.versluis@umcg.nl.
Global Health ; 19(1): 28, 2023 04 20.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-2326880
ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND:

In The Netherlands, physicians specialized in global health and tropical medicine (Ps-GHTM) are trained to work in low-resource settings (LRS) after their training program of 27 months. After working for a period of time in LRS, many Ps-GHTM continue their careers in the Dutch healthcare system. While there is limited evidence regarding the value of international health experience for medical students and residents, it is unknown to what extent this applies to Ps-GHTM and to their clinical practice in the Netherlands.

METHODS:

In this qualitative study we conducted semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions (FGDs) with Ps-GHTM to explore the perceived applicability of their experience abroad for their subsequent return to the Netherlands. Topic guides were developed using literature about the applicability of working abroad. Findings from the interviews served as a starting point for FGDs. The interviews and FGDs were analysed using directed content analysis.

RESULTS:

15 themes are described relating experience abroad to healthcare delivery in The Netherlands broad medical perspective, holistic perspective, adaptive communication skills, creativity, flexibility, cultural awareness, self-reliance, clinical competence, cost awareness, public health, leadership, open-mindedness, organization of care, self-development, and teamwork. Highlighting the variety in competencies and the complexity of the topic, not all themes were recognized by all respondents in the FGDs nor deemed equally relevant. Flexibility, cultural awareness and holistic perspective are examples of important benefits to work experience in LRS.

CONCLUSION:

Ps-GHTM bring their competencies to LRS and return to the Netherlands with additionally developed skills and knowledge. These may contribute to healthcare delivery in the Netherlands. This reciprocal value is an important factor for the sustainable development of global health. Identifying the competencies derived from work experience in LRS could give stakeholders insight into the added value of Ps-GHTM and partly help in refining the specialization program.
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Full text: Available Collection: International databases Database: MEDLINE Main subject: Physicians / Tropical Medicine Type of study: Prognostic study / Qualitative research Limits: Humans Language: English Journal: Global Health Year: 2023 Document Type: Article Affiliation country: S12992-023-00929-6

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Full text: Available Collection: International databases Database: MEDLINE Main subject: Physicians / Tropical Medicine Type of study: Prognostic study / Qualitative research Limits: Humans Language: English Journal: Global Health Year: 2023 Document Type: Article Affiliation country: S12992-023-00929-6