International Electives in Neurological Surgery Training: A Survey of Program Directors from ACGME Approved Neurological Surgery Programs. (16th November 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Lundy, Paige; Miller, Christopher; Woodrow, Sarah
• Is Part Of: Neurosurgery. Volume 67(2010)Supplement 1
• Publication Date: 2020-11-16
• Subjects: Nervous system -- Surgery -- Periodicals; 617.48005
• DOI: 10.1093/neuros/nyaa447_161
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0148-396X

Abstract

Abstract: INTRODUCTION: The neurosurgical community has become increasingly aware of global surgical needs. Creating an effective neurosurgical workforce entails early experience and education in the unique elements of working in low and middle-income countries (LMICs). The individual at any given U.S. training program most responsible for resident education is the program director(PD). METHODS: An anonymous internet-based questionnaire was distributed to ACGME accredited neurosurgery PDs. Participants were then asked questions about the existence of international electives in their program, perceived value of the international rotations, and interest in starting a rotation as well as barriers. RESULTS: Of 113 ACGME approved programs 50 responded for a 44.2% response rate. Of the programs without a rotation 20/37 (54.1%) noted that they were interested in starting an international rotation. The program directors interested in starting an international rotation noted funding and Residency Review Committee (RRC) approval process as the most significant barriers to initiating a rotation. Survey participants generally noted value in international rotations and to a lesser degree that residents should be encouraged to pursue international opportunities for training. CONCLUSION: International electives for residents represent an opportunity for the neurosurgical community to respond to the need for increased neurosurgical treatments in LMIC. Generally, residency program directors believe that international electives are valuable to residency training. Though many program directors wish to initiate international programs, there are significant barriers; chief among them are RRC regulations and funding. There are a number of opportunities to overcome these barriers which should be pursued in order to expand the international experience for ACGME approved neurosurgical residency programs.