Global Health Interest Among Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery Fellows

To determine interest in global health (GH) work among Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery (FPMRS)fellows.

An anonymous, online survey was sent to FPMRS fellows in March 2012. All fellows at accredited and nonaccredited U.S. FPMRS programs were eligible. Of at least 123 fellows, 58 (47%) completed the survey and met inclusion criteria. Survey questions included demographics, GH interest and experience, barriers to GH experience, and career goals.

Of those 58 fellows, 79% of respondents graduated from Ob-Gyn residencies, 41% were first year fellows, 45% spoke another language fluently, and 62% had previously worked and/or studied in a developing country. Of the respondents 74% desired GH experience during fellowship, 78% desired GH experience after fellowship, and 40% reported seeing themselves integrating GH into their career. Top barriers to GH work in fellowship were lack of elective time (74%), cost (70%), and personal commitments (67%). A total of 39% of respondents said the ability to work in GH somewhat or strongly affected their decision to pursue FPMRS, and 26% said the availability of GH opportunities affected their fellowship rank list. Family (88%), clinical commitments (78%), and cost (67%) were the biggest reported hurdles to future GH work.

Nearly three-quarters of FPMRS fellows are interested in GH work in fellowship. Almost half would like to include it in future practice. Barriers in fellowship include elective time, cost, and personal commitments.