Knowledge is Power: Assessing Academic Decolonization through Bidirectionality of Training in Global Health Fellowships

Abstract

There is significant support for decolonization in global health medical education, yet there is little documented on the inclusion of physicians from low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) into U.S.- based training. This paper aims to explore the options that are available to physicians from LMICs to receive academic training in global health at U.S.-based institutions and contemplate solutions that align with the ideals of sustainability and decolonization. A narrative review conducted through library databases and a web-based search of academic websites were carried out in 2022 to find programs that discussed inclusion of physicians from LMICs into U.S.-based global health fellowships. Fifteen articles were found that discussed the inclusion of physicians from LMICs into a U.S.-based program. From the web-based search, five programs plainly stated the acceptance of physicians from LMICs. Therefore, there are limitedcurrent U.S.-based academic programs accepting physicians from LMICs, based on a literature search and applicant requirements published online. This shows an important gap in training that is meant to focus on health equity and decolonization, particularly in the realm of knowledge sharing. However, this study was limited by what data was formally published through journal articles or online. Programs that have bidirectional aspects may exist but have no publication or formal website.