Published in Annals of Global Health. Here is a link to the article.
Regenstrief Institute authors: Debra Litzelman, M.D., M.A.
A new study highlights the significant personal and professional outcomes of the Slemenda Scholars Program, an early global health immersion initiative at Indiana University School of Medicine. Since 1998, the program has provided select preclinical medical students with an intensive 8–10 week experience in Kenya through the long-standing AMPATH partnership.
Survey data from 45 alumni revealed exceptionally high satisfaction, with participants strongly agreeing that the program enhanced their understanding of global health, medicine, and self-awareness. Respondents reported gains in cultural humility (100%), personal resilience (86%), and interpersonal communication skills (79%). Additionally, 70% of alumni have pursued careers in global health, citing the program as a moderate or strong influence.
Qualitative analysis of 50 narratives revealed two primary outcomes: impactful experiences and transformative learning. Participants consistently described meaningful clinical and community-based activities, cross-cultural interactions, and professional development. Transformative learning outcomes included broadened worldviews, strengthened commitment to service-oriented careers, and increased adaptability and innovation.
The study affirms the value of ethically grounded, early exposure to global health. The Slemenda Scholars program integrates educational rigor with best practices in global health ethics, including bidirectional relationships, local capacity building, and long-term sustainability.
With increasing demand for global health training and shifting medical education landscapes, the Slemenda Scholars program offers a replicable model for embedding transformative experiences into early medical training. The findings underscore the critical role of structured, ethical partnerships in shaping the future global health workforce.
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