Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center
New Orleans, LA
Abstract Title:
Program Director: Stephen Kantrow, MD
Associate Program Director: David Taylor, MD
Type of Program: Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine
Abstract Authors: SP Kantrow, TV Le, TV Ngoc, A Gurgun, N Mogulkoc, J Ali. LSU Health Sciences Center and Ochsner Clinic Foundation, New Orleans, LA, Ege University, Izmir, Turkey, Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) Medicine and Pharmacy University, HCMC, Vietnam.
Despite restrictions in public exposure to tobacco smoke and decreased smoking prevalence among affluent Americans, tobacco use in vulnerable populations (children, low income, limited education) remains exceptionally high. Health care professionals directly involved in the treatment of tobacco related diseases, including pulmonologists, oncologists and cardiologists, have little training in the current scope of this disease burden or preparation for effective public health advocacy. To address this need, we designed a cross-cultural program for pulmonary fellows to increase awareness of 1) smoking prevalence in vulnerable populations and 2) innovative efforts around the world to decrease tobacco related disease. Trainees in pulmonary medicine are introduced to concepts in comparative health systems, tobacco control and advocacy as mentored observers in instructive international sites. We have established exchange programs with medical schools in Izmir, Turkey and Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam to support these curricular goals. Expectations for fellows in this program are 1) guided independent study of the economic, cultural and political influences on tobacco use in an international site and in the US, 2) presentation of their comparative analysis to the academic community and 3) participation in a mentored scholarly project in advocacy. This unique graduate medical education experience meets a need for increased professionalism in medicine and provides a path to physician led advocacy to advance health equality.
