Education Research: A framework for global health curricula for neurology trainees

Abstract

As the global burden of neurologic disease increases, educating future neurologists about the principles of global health through global health curricula is of utmost importance. However, few neurology residency training programs have developed and implemented comprehensive global health curricula. This report outlines the design, implementation, and evaluation of the University of Massachusetts Medical School neurology residency global health curriculum. Using accepted curriculum development methods and incorporating an innovative use of technology, we created a global health curriculum focused on neurology to engage trainees. The implementation of curricula and organization of elective opportunities also incorporates learning objectives and an evaluation process. The University of Massachusetts Medical School neurology global health curriculum can be used as a framework for other residency programs developing global health programs. Global health education increases young neurologists' awareness of the growing burden of neurologic disease and, subsequently, may motivate them to address the need for neurologic expertise around the world.

Training in Neurology: Resident Perception of the Utility and Applicability of Global Neurology Morning Reports

“…Interest in global health has increased among undergraduate students, medical students, and residents, [1][2][3] including neurology residents, [4] likely reflecting the growing burden of neurological disease in low-and middle-income countries. [5][6] However, formalized global neurology training tracks [7] and curricula are rare, [8] with only one-half of US and Canadian neurology programs offering global health electives, [4] thus potentially limiting resident training and exposure to the field.…”

Reaching underserved domestic and international populations through Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Residency training: A survey of residents and program directors

“…In addition, medical schools and residencies have sought to standardize medical education experiences to maximize training opportunities 8 . The benefits of developing global health experiences for residents have been shown to include improvements in medical knowledge, resourcefulness, cultural and interpersonal competence, and career development 9 …”

“…8 The benefits of developing global health experiences for residents have been shown to include improvements in medical knowledge, resourcefulness, cultural and interpersonal competence, and career development. 9 Multiple specialties have successfully incorporated these experiences into residency and fellowship training. For example, a study of neurology fellowship trainees demonstrated that increasing the awareness of global health issues exposed them to the burden of disease and lack of medical experts in certain parts of the world.…”

Innovation in resident education – Description of the Neurology International Residents Videoconference and Exchange (NIRVE) program

“…They have proven to be of particular value during this COVID 19 pandemic to enforce social distancing locally and to facilitate rapid sharing of medical experience across countries. Although 30-50% of neurology programs in North America allow international clinical and research exchanges, the majority of residents lack exposure to the practice of neurology abroad [4].…”