Teachers abroad: collaboration between the Peace Corps, Seed Global Health, and African medical and nursing schools in faculty scale-up

Abstract

Abstract Background In 2012, the US Peace Corps and Seed Global Health, supported by PEPFAR, developed the Global Health Service Partnership (GHSP) to address extreme shortages of health-care providers in low-income countries. In 2013, GHSP placed 30 physicians and nurses on faculties at medical and nursing schools in Tanzania, Uganda, and Malawi to support educational capacity development aimed at long-term health system strengthening. Seed Global Health offers privately funded debt repayment to offset loan obligations and reduces barriers to participation. Methods GHSP recruited US faculty to work at sites selected in consultation with Ministries of Health and Education and other partners. Qualitative and quantitative surveys of applicants and volunteers were used to identify opportunities for continued and enhanced volunteer support during service. Findings Data review of recruitment and placements identified two career stages of volunteers—early and late. Regardless of seniority, substantial financial challenge exists for individuals considering GHSP. 27 volunteers require debt relief. The bimodal volunteer distribution suggests that, worldwide, opportunities are growing for midcareer faculty to serve as clinical educators. Midcareer faculty will need specific support because they are often unable to consider positions that entail substantial salary reduction associated with a year working abroad or an interruption of their academic activities, or both. Interpretation The financial challenge to individuals considering global service is problematic, especially for midcareer professionals. A so-called sabbatical corps could provide US institution-based funding and support for faculty who would transfer skills to their global counterparts and bring novel skills home in return. The sabbatical corps would effectively expand the pool of educators needed. Funding President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief, the Exxon Mobil Foundation, the Engelhard Foundation, Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation, Pfizer Foundation, and Goldman Sachs Gives.