Impact of Global Health Research Training on Career Trajectories: The Fogarty International Clinical Research Scholars and Fellows Program

Am J Trop Med Hyg. 2015 Sep;93(3):655-61. doi: 10.4269/ajtmh.14-0705. Epub 2015 Jul 20.

Abstract

From 2004 to 2012, the Fogarty International Clinical Research Scholars/Fellows Program (FICRS-F) provided 1-year research training opportunities for U.S. and international doctoral "Scholars" and postdoctoral "Fellows" at low- and middle-income country (LMIC) centers. We collected data prospectively and then surveyed a representative sample of 100 alumni (94% response), assessing Program impacts on their careers and collaborations. Frequently, collaborations continued beyond the formal training period with U.S.- (63%) and site-based mentors (66%). U.S. Fellows reported the highest post-training focus on research (88 on a 100-point scale), and the highest Program impact on competitiveness for career or training positions and choices of post-training topics and institutions (95 points). Interest in global health research increased markedly during the training period, especially for LMIC trainees, and was sustained post-training. LMIC alumni reported a significantly higher focus on global health and research than did U.S. alumni. Alumni reported that their mentored research training had a substantial impact on their career trajectories.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Biomedical Research / education*
  • Career Choice
  • Cooperative Behavior
  • Fellowships and Scholarships / organization & administration*
  • Female
  • Global Health / education*
  • Humans
  • International Cooperation
  • Male
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • United States