Background: Pediatric surgical societies in high-income countries (HICs) have historically offered travel fellowships to surgeons from low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) to attend annual meetings. The value and return on investment of these programs have recently been questioned. We surveyed the experiences and outcomes of these fellows.
Methods: We conducted a sequential, explanatory, mixed-methods study of travel fellows who attended APSA, BAPS, CAPS, or PAPS annual meetings. Participants completed an anonymous online survey exploring their experience, outcomes, and feedback. Amenable participants completed virtual semi-structured interviews, that were transcribed for thematic analysis.
Results: Of 65 fellows contacted, 35 (54 %) provided complete survey responses, including 24 men (69 %) and 11 women (31 %), from 26 LMICs. Fellows' self-reported outcomes were highly favorable with respect to the fellowship's impact on their knowledge, skill acquisition, professional development, networking, and local practice environment. All but one fellow found the fellowship worthwhile, and all would recommend it to a colleague. Currently, most alumni (71 %) hold an academic position at the rank of associate professor or higher. Thematic analysis of the 20 interviews revealed both strengths (international community-building, exposure to a different practice environment) and weaknesses (lack of direct patient care, short fellowship duration, and visa difficulties).
Conclusion: Travel fellowships awarded by HIC pediatric surgical societies to LMIC pediatric surgeons are highly valued by recipients, and foster important collaborations, practice enhancement, and career advancement, albeit not without logistical hurdles. Feedback from recipients can further improve host associations' return on investment.
Level of evidence: Not Applicable.
Keywords: Fellowship; Global education; Pediatric surgery; Travel; Visiting.
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