Abstract
Background
Humanitarian surgical organizations such as Operation Smile provide global health
opportunities for students and medical trainees. Prior studies have shown a positive
benefit for medical trainees. This study aimed to determine if the international global
health experiences of young student volunteers impact their career choices as adults.
Methods
A survey was sent to adults who were involved with Operation Smile as students. The
survey elicited information about their mission trip experience, education, career,
and current volunteer and leadership activities. Data were summarized with descriptive
statistics and qualitative analysis.
Results
114 prior volunteers responded. The majority participated in leadership conferences
(n=110), mission trips (n=109), and student clubs (n=101) while in high school. Many
graduated from college (n=113, 99%) and completed post-graduate degrees (n=47, 41%).
The most highly represented occupational industry was healthcare (n=30, 26%), including
physicians and medical trainees (n=9), dentists (n=5), and other healthcare providers
(n=5). Three-fourths reported that their volunteer experience impacted their career
choice, and half reported that their experience allowed them to connect with career
mentors. Their experience was associated with the development of leadership skills,
including public speaking, self-confidence, and empathy, and increased awareness of
cleft conditions, health disparities, and other cultures. Ninety-six percent continued
to volunteer. Narrative responses revealed that the volunteer experiences impacted
their inter- and intrapersonal development into adulthood.
Conclusions
Participation in a global health organization as a student may encourage a long-term
commitment to leadership and volunteerism and foster interest in a healthcare career.
These opportunities also encourage development of cultural competency and interpersonal
skills.
Level of Evidence
III, Cross-Sectional Study.
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Accepted:
January 3,
2023
Received in revised form:
December 27,
2022
Received:
October 5,
2022
Publication stage
In Press Accepted ManuscriptIdentification
Copyright
© 2023 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
