Four Learner Categories in Global Health Experiences: A Framework for Successful Resident Engagement

Abstract

An increasing number of residency programs in the United States now offer global health experiences. Yet many participating residents lack the worldview needed to succeed in these rotations. Trainees working in international settings fall into four learner categories depending on their degree of cultural humility and their willingness to engage with their hosts. Re-orientation, or ongoing structured mentorship, provides key opportunities for residents to mature in these two important areas. We propose that residencies should incorporate re-orientation into their international experiences in order to shape their trainees’ worldviews and to promote their successful engagement.

Keywords

• global health
• medical education
• global health experience
• cultural humility