Annals of Global Health (Aug 2017)

On Becoming a Global Citizen: Transformative Learning Through Global Health Experiences

  • Debra K. Litzelman,
  • Adrian Gardner,
  • Robert M. Einterz,
  • Philip Owiti,
  • Charity Wambui,
  • Jordan C. Huskins,
  • Kathleen M. Schmitt-Wendholt,
  • Geren S. Stone,
  • Paul O. Ayuo,
  • Thomas S. Inui,
  • Rachel A. Umoren

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aogh.2017.07.005
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 83, no. 3-4
pp. 596 – 604

Abstract

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BackgroundGlobalization has increased the demand for international experiences in medical education. International experiences improve medical knowledge, clinical skills, and self-development; influence career objectives; and provide insights on ethical and societal issues. However, global health rotations can end up being no more than tourism if not structured to foster personal transformation and global citizenship.ObjectiveWe conducted a qualitative assessment of trainee-reported critical incidents to more deeply understand the impact of our global health experience on trainees.MethodsA cross-sectional survey was administered to trainees who had participated in a 2-month elective in Kenya from January 1989 to May 2013. We report the results of a qualitative assessment of the critical incident reflections participants (n = 137) entered in response to the prompt, “Write about one of your most memorable experiences and explain why you chose to describe this particular one.” Qualitative analyses were conducted using thematic analysis and crystallization immersion analytic methods based on the principles of grounded theory, employing a constructivists' research paradigm.FindingsFour major themes emerged. These themes were 'Opening Oneself to a Broader World View'; 'Impact of Suffering and Death; Life-Changing Experiences'; and 'Commitment to Care for the Medically Underserved'.ConclusionsCircumstances that learners encounter in the resource-scarce environment in Kenya are 'eye-opening' and 'life-changing'. When exposed to these frame-shifting circumstances, students elaborate on or transform existing points of view. These emotionally disruptive experiences in an international health setting allowed students to enter a transformational learning process with a global mind. Students can see the world as an interdependent society and develop the capacity to advance both their enlightened self-interest and the interest of people elsewhere in the world as they mature as global citizens. Medical schools are encouraged to foster these experiences by finding ways to integrate them into curriculum.

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