Developing an international health area of concentration in a family medicine residency.
OBJECTIVE
We sought to develop an Area of Concentration (AOC) in international health to inspire and better prepare interested residents for such experiences during residency and in the future.


METHODS
The curriculum has three phases: pre-experience preparation, the international experience, and post-experience debriefing. In the last 2 years, residents and faculty have worked in Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Mexico, and Tanzania. The three main types of experiences have been disaster relief, clinical care, and community-based primary health care.


RESULTS
Compared to only two or fewer residents participating annually prior to the establishment of the AOC, more than 30 residents and faculty have participated in an international experience in the last 2 years. Our department now has at least two established annual international experiences and has developed educational and process manuals.


CONCLUSIONS
An AOC curriculum can nurture interest and provide relevant skills that can be used in the care of vulnerable populations in the United States and abroad.
Puvvula
Jyoti
J
Department of Family Medicine, Harbor-University of California-Los Angeles, Harbor City 90710, USA. jopuvvula@hotmail.com
Granados
Gilberto
G
D003479:Curriculum; D003906:Developing Countries; D054597:Disaster Medicine; D005194:Family Practice / Q000193:education*; D006801:Humans; D038622:Internationality; D007396:Internship and Residency / Q000458:organization & administration*; D016730:Program Development; D012066:Relief Work