I have done work internationally before but this was the first time with a full armamentarium of medical knowledge which really made me feel confident with what I was teaching. I also ended up reviewing and learning some new things about medicine as well as myself as a teacher.”
–Edward C. Clune, MD, 2015 SEA-HVO Traveling Fellow, Malawi
The Society for Education in Anesthesia (SEA)-HVO Traveling Fellowship is an opportunity for anesthesia residents to share their knowledge and passion with providers in resource-scarce countries, as well as to connect with and learn from their colleagues overseas. Many returned fellows report that the experience broadened their perspective on global health and changed the way they practice medicine at home. As 2015 SEA-HVO Traveling Fellow Irving Ye, MD, MBA, reported:
“I think that anyone who has traveled abroad to a developing country to teach or provide service feels the tremendous impact of the experience. It is one of the most rewarding feelings to be able to share knowledge and experiences. It is eye-opening to witness so much good care being delivered with much more limited resources. It is equally humbling to see what is inadequate or not available. The experience makes me so appreciative of what I have in life, both personally and professionally.”
After returning from her month-long fellowship in Ghana, Theresa Northern, DO, described how the experience helped her to become more confident in her skills as a teacher, leader, and provider, writing: “This experience challenged me both medically and on a fundamental level of leadership and how to influence change. It certainly grounded me and has made me a better doctor, anesthesiologist and person … In some way I’d [tried] to prepare myself for this idea, but it doesn’t really hit you until you are living it. You will be out of your comfort zone for most of the time. That’s in part what makes the experience so challenging and yet also rewarding.”
Do not miss your chance to partake in what 2014 Fellow Rohan Jain, MD, described as: “A once in a lifetime opportunity that unquestionably enriched [my] commitment to global health and service.” A few days remain to apply for the 2017 SEA-HVO Traveling Fellowship. Applications must be received by close of business this Wednesday, January 11. Learn more and apply.