British Association of Paediatric Surgeons International Affairs Committee: A report of international fellowships

Abstract

Objective This paper describes the fellowship programme of the International Affairs Committee of the British Association of Paediatric Surgeons.

Patients and methods The selection of low-income and middle-income country (LMIC) fellows from 2005 to 2016, their funding, experience, and current roles are described. Qualitative and quantitative analysis was performed. 

Results Thirty-eight trainees from 21 LMIC were awarded fellowships over the 11-year period. Thirty-two have completed the fellowship at time of writing, all are now in consultant positions. Obtaining a visa was the single most cited barrier to starting the fellowship. Twenty completed the questionnaire. Hundred percent felt the  fellowship had contributed to personal development and 71% had altered clinical practice subsequent to their experience. Thirty-three percent have gained research opportunities.

Conclusion This evaluation supports LMIC-high-income country partnerships and highlights the benefits of fellowships to both the individual surgeon, their department and patient population.  

Keywords: BAPS, fellowship, low- and middle-income country, partnership