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World Journal of Surgery

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01-01-2019 | Original Scientific Report

Increasing and Retaining African Surgeons Working in Rural Hospitals: An Analysis of PAACS Surgeons with Twenty-Year Program Follow-Up

Authors: Caleb Van Essen, Bruce C. Steffes, Keir Thelander, Beryl Akinyi, Hsin-Fang Li, Margaret J. Tarpley

Published in: World Journal of Surgery | Issue 1/2019

Abstract

Background

African surgical workforce needs are significant, with largest disparities existing in rural settings. Pan-African Academy of Christian Surgeons (PAACS), a primarily rural-based general surgery training program, has published successes in producing rural African surgeons; however, long-term follow-up data are unreported. The goal of our study was to define characteristics of PAACS alumni surgeons working in rural hospitals, documenting successes and illuminating strategies for trainee recruitment and retention.

Method

PAACS’ twenty-year surgery residency database was reviewed for 12 programs throughout Africa regarding trainee demographics and graduate outcomes. Characteristics of PAACS’ graduate surgeons were further analyzed with a 42-question survey.

Results

Among active PAACS graduates, 100% practice in Africa and 79% within their home country. PAACS graduates had 51% short-term and 35% long-term (beyond 5 years) rural retention rate (less than 50,000 population).

Conclusion

Our study shows that PAACS general surgery training program has a high retention rate of African surgeons in rural settings compared to all programs reported to date, highlighting a multifaceted, rural-focused approach that could be emulated by surgical training programs worldwide.

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Title: Increasing and Retaining African Surgeons Working in Rural Hospitals: An Analysis of PAACS Surgeons with Twenty-Year Program Follow-Up
Authors: Caleb Van Essen
Bruce C. Steffes
Keir Thelander
Beryl Akinyi
Hsin-Fang Li
Margaret J. Tarpley
Publication date: 01-01-2019
Publisher: Springer International Publishing
Published in: World Journal of Surgery / Issue 1/2019
Print ISSN: 0364-2313
Electronic ISSN: 1432-2323
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00268-018-4781-9

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Increasing and Retaining African Surgeons Working in Rural Hospitals: An Analysis of PAACS Surgeons with Twenty-Year Program Follow-Up

Abstract

Background

Method

Results

Conclusion

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Method

Results

Conclusion

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