BUILDING CROSS-CULTURAL COLLABORATION THROUGH SURGICAL EDUCATION:

THE INTERNATIONAL SURGERY RESEARCH FELLOWSHIP (ISRF) AT OHSU

ISRF Application Form

Purpose: To establish an international surgical educational exchange program with regional partners in South Asia to advance cross-cultural collaboration.  Five areas are addressed: health referral systems in South Asia; advanced GI laparoscopy, educational exchange, collaborative research, and community/rural outreach.

Program Description: The ISRF program's international partner is the Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences (SGPGIMS) in Lucknow, India.  SGPGIMS is a high volume tertiary care referral center whose surgeons specialize in complex conditions and re-operative surgery in the adult and pediatric population.  Its five areas of specialization are: Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery, Gastrointestinal Surgery, Neurosurgery, Urology, and Endocrine Surgery.  One of the largest in the nation in size and patient volume, it serves a very sizable urban population (>180 million).  Residents, medical students, and nursing students are encouraged to apply in order to gain a diverse sense of how medicine is practiced in a rapidly developing yet low-income nation.  Since its inception in 2006, 8 students and 10 faculty have participated in the exchange program.  Generally, students participate in 1- to 3-month rotations, although longer tracks (up to 1 year) are also available.  We also conduct research exchange programs on the faculty level with our base institution.

Aims and Expectations: Participants will be exposed to a larger spectrum of surgical disease in an environment where resources are limited.  Critical thinking with basic diagnostic tools, cost effectiveness, cultural sensitivity, leadership and teamwork skills are emphasized.  Multiple opportunities for research and publications are available.  Students' contributions and professionalism are crucial in helping to further collaboration and strengthen education and surgical treatment systems internationally.  We hope to inspire surgical trainees to lifelong humanitarianism and service.

How to Apply: Please complete an ISRF application and return all materials electronically (see instructions).  Applicants from outside institutions are welcomed.  The deadline for applications is rolling; interviews will be held after receipt of a complete application and notifications will be sent shortly thereafter.  The program target on-site start date varies depending on the length of track.  Please contact the program director for further information.

R. Serene Perkins, M.D.

Clinical Assistant Professor, Department of Surgery

Director, Global Health / International Surgery Program

Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) – Portland, Oregon USA

Website: http://www.ohsu.edu/ohsuedu/academic/som/surgery/divisions/Global-health-surgery/index.cfm

Email: ohsu.ghis@gmail.com