Introduction

Swedish Family Medicine Residencies

Cherry Hill and First Hill Campuses

International Health Area of Concentration

Compiled by Doug Trotter MD, Ginger Ruddy MD, Rick Morgan MD, Michael Tuggy, MD and Gregory Engel MD, MPH

Introduction

Family medicine’s focus on community health sets it apart from other medical specialties. Many family physicians take this interest in community a step or two beyond the immediate communities in which they practice, extending their clinical practice to include learning about and providing care to people in other countries. The Swedish Family Medicine Residencies at Cherry Hill and First Hill have collaborated to craft an Area of Concentration in International Medicine, through which residents learn about global health issues and immerse themselves in care of underserved populations internationally.

Training family physicians in international health makes sense on a number of levels. First of all, in a ethnically diverse community such as ours, we are increasingly called upon to provide health care to people from countries with a great diversity of endemic diseases not often enountered in the U.S.   Second, as leaders in the provision of primary care, we have an opportunity to bring our training and unique perspectives on healthcare to underserved peoples. Third, we recognize that the health of people around the world is increasingly affected by global political, economic, social and environmental forces.   By becoming informed about these interrelating forces physicians can more effectively advocate for changes in healthcare that can improve health on a large scale.

Application Requirements

Because of limited availability of spaces for this rotation, residents will be selected based on their past demonstrated interest in international medicine and the likelihood that they will use the skills acquired in their future practice. Residents must complete a short essay explaining their interest in international medicine and meet the following requirements in order to be considered:

1)      Must be in good standing

2)      Must be on track to graduate with adequate outpatient clinic visits and obstetrical continuity deliveries

3)      Must be an appropriate fit for the site. Sites may have particular requirements of preferences (language, cultural, religious) that may affect selection. As we their guests, we are obligated to abide by their preferences.

4)      Must be available during the time that the host site can accommodate their rotation.

... Back to Table of Contents | Proceed to Curriculum ...