Residency training in developing nations: An international elective for USphysicians in training

Background: We propose several advantages for residents who experience elec tive rotations in developing nations. Residents participating in these elec tives are exposed to different cultures and see pathology not commonly foun d in their host nations. We describe the structure of such an elective prog ram for pediatrics, combined medical/pediatrics and internal medicine physi cians in training. Description: Residents rotated through 2 clinic sites: the Behrhorst Develo pment Foundation in Chimaltenango, Guatemala, and the San Ignacio Clinic an d Hospital in San Ignacio, Belize. Residents kept a log of patients and pat hology encountered while undergoing the elective. They also recorded additi onal data to be used to describe their experiences. Evaluation: A total of 803 patients were seen by 3 visiting residents in 2 different countries. Residents encountered a wide range of medical problems including 10 different species of parasites. Conclusions: International electives are a feasible part of residency train ing. Residents participating in these experiences gain exposure to disease processes not found in their host countries. It is hoped that a greater und erstanding of medical humanism can result from such experiences.