AJLM2105 - CME/CMLE - Global Health Education in Pathology Residency: Establishing a Novel Resident Clinical Elective in Quetzaltenango, Guatemala-Global Health Education in Pathology Residency: Establishing a Novel Resident Clinical Elective in Quetzaltenango, Guatemala

Global Health Education in Pathology Residency: Establishing a Novel Resident Clinical Elective in Quetzaltenango, Guatemala

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A global health initiative was established in Quetzaltenango, Guatemala, aimed at enhancing pathology and laboratory medicine (PALM) services in low-resource settings. The project involved a pathology resident clinical elective focusing on bidirectional educational exchange with the in-country pathologist. The initiative included educational programs, quality improvement projects, and telepathology conferences between Guatemala and the University of Virginia. The project aimed to address the critical need for high-quality laboratory services in low- and middle-income countries and combat the rising prevalence of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) such as cancer. The clinical rotation provided residents with a unique experience in resource-limited environments where ancillary testing was limited. Cases were reviewed and discussed, with challenging cases transported back to the University of Virginia for further evaluation. The project emphasized the importance of sustainability, education, and collaboration to strengthen PALM services globally. Future steps include continued clinical electives, teleconferences, and quality improvement initiatives to enhance services in the region. The project sets an example for fostering interinstitutional collaborations to bolster pathology services in low-resource environments, emphasizing the significance of pathology in combating global health challenges related to NCDs.

Keywords

global health initiative

Quetzaltenango, Guatemala

pathology and laboratory medicine services

low-resource settings

pathology resident clinical elective

bidirectional educational exchange

telepathology conferences

noncommunicable diseases

resource-limited environments

interinstitutional collaborations