Balance of trade: export-import in family medicine.
North American family physicians leaving for less-developed countries (LDCs) may not be aware of internationally validated diagnostic and treatment technologies originating in LDCs. Thus they may bring with them inappropriate models and methods of medical care. More useful "exports" are based in sharing our collaborative vocational perspective with dedicated indigenous generalist clinicians who serve their communities. More specifically, Western doctors abroad can promote local reanalyses of international evidence-based medicine (EBM) studies, efficient deployment of scarce clinical resources, and a family medicine/generalist career ladder, ultimately reversing the "brain drain" from LDCs. Balancing these exports, we should import the growing number of EBM best practices originated in World Health Organization and other LDCs research that are applicable in developed nations. Many generalist colleagues, expatriate and indigenous, with long-term LDC experience stand ready to help us import these practices and perspectives.
Pust
Ronald E
RE
Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85724, USA. rpust@u.arizona.edu
D003906:Developing Countries; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine / Q000193:education*; D005194:Family Practice / Q000193:education*; D006801:Humans; D007393:International Educational Exchange; D013019:South Africa; D014481:United States