A survey on the perspective and benefits of being an international Visiting Surgeon at a leading Level I Trauma centre

Purpose: To investigate the impact on career, leadership positions, and involvement in educational roles among participants in the International Visiting Physician (IVP) program at a leading Level I Trauma centre.

Methods: An electronic survey was conducted among Denver Health Department of Orthopedics IVP program alumni from 2010 to 2024. Data collected included demographics, baseline experience, career level, and leadership positions at the time of application and their current status. Factors influencing the decision to apply, research, surgical observership, educational, and host city experiences during the fellowship were assessed using a 10-point Likert scale. The impact of the fellowship on career advancement, leadership roles, and educational involvement post-fellowship was also evaluated using a 7 and 10-point Likert scale.

Results: Since 2010, 61 surgeons participated in the program, with 45 (73.8%) responding to the survey. Respondents originated from 26 countries across all continents (5 from Europe, 23 from Asia, 5 from Africa, 9 from South America, 2 from North America, and 1 from Oceania). Six alumni were female (13.3%), and the mean age was 37.02 years. On a 10-point Likert scale, the fellowship's impact on the current working position scored 7.53, effects on future positions scored 8.14, inclination to serve in teaching/research roles scored 7.67, and future leadership roles scored 8.00.

Conclusion: International Visiting Physician (IVP) programs significantly benefit participants' careers, enhancing their professional positions, leadership roles, and inclination to be involved in teaching and research.