title: Impact of Humanitarian Experiences on Otolaryngology Trainees: A Follow-up Study of Travel Grant Recipients.
abstract: In this study, we seek (1) to determine the impact of humanitarian experiences on otolaryngology trainee recipients of the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery Foundation humanitarian travel grant (2001-2015); (2) to better understand trainee and trip characteristics, as well as motivations and attitudes toward future volunteerism; and (3) and to identify potential barriers to participation. An anonymous 30-question survey was distributed to 207 individuals, and 52 (25.1%) responded. Respondents viewed the trip as very worthwhile (score = 98 of 100), expressed improved cultural understanding (75.0%), and continued participation in humanitarian activities (75.0%). Competency-based evaluation results suggest a positive impact on systems-based practice and professionalism. Respondents commented on the trip's positive value and shared concerns regarding expense. Despite potential barriers, Foundation-supported humanitarian trips during training are perceived as worthwhile; they may enhance cultural understanding and interest in future humanitarian efforts; and they may positively affect competency-based metrics. Based on the potential benefits, continued support and formalization of these experiences should be considered.
authors.affiliation: 1 Division of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of California-San Diego, San Diego, California, USA.
authors.forename: Aria
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Jafari
authors.affiliation: 2 School of Medicine, University of California-San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA.
authors.forename: Kathryn R
authors.initials: KR
authors.lastname: Tringale
authors.affiliation: 3 Division of Head and Neck Oncology and Reconstruction, Department of Otolaryngology and Communication Sciences, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA.
authors.forename: Bruce H
authors.initials: BH
authors.lastname: Campbell
authors.affiliation: 1 Division of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of California-San Diego, San Diego, California, USA.
authors.forename: Jacob W
authors.initials: JW
authors.lastname: Husseman
authors.affiliation: 4 Department of Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA.|5 Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Ukiah Valley Medical Center, Ukiah, California, USA.
authors.forename: Susan R
authors.initials: SR
authors.lastname: Cordes
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000533:Altruism; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D004503:Education, Medical, Graduate; D005260:Female; D005381:Financing, Organized; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007396:Internship and Residency; D008297:Male; D008493:Medical Missions; D010036:Otolaryngology / Q000193:education*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
keywords: education; fellowship; global health; humanitarian; residency