Shelly H. Nicholson, MPH, Population Fellows Programs, University of Michigan, 1214 South University Ave., 2nd Floor, Ann Arbor, MI 48104, 734 615 9192, snichol@umich.edu, Warren Passin, MPH, MSW, Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention National Center for HIV, STD, and TB prevention, Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Prevention Research Branch), 1600 Clifton Road NE, Mail Stop E-37, Atlanta, GA 30333, Joseph W. Brown, PhD, Clinical Associate Professor, Health Behavior and Health Education, University of Michigan, School of Public Health, SPH II Building M5039, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2029, and Frank Zinn, PhD, University of Michigan Population Fellows Program, 1214 South University Ave., 2nd Floor, Ann Arbor, MI 48104.

The University of Michigan Population Fellows Programs conducted a study to discern the role of U.S. professionals in the international reproductive health field, programming trends, and the future human resource needs of organizations implementing programs worldwide. Survey and focus group results stressed the importance of applied learning during graduate study, overseas work experience, foreign language and cultural competency as necessary preparation for the realities of international reproductive health work. Experts who participated in the focus groups stressed the importance of effective communication, management, negotiation, and fundraising skills.

The study’s results provide valuable insight for early-career professionals interested in a career in international reproductive health and highlight gaps in public health school curriculum. The study included a quantitative, web-based survey distributed to 210 of the current and former University of Michigan Population Fellows all of whom received a two-year fellowship during the past twenty years. The survey had a 68% response rate including 127 international reproductive health professionals with at least a Masters degree in public health. The respondents’ main focus areas within reproductive health were family planning and HIV/AIDS. They were asked to describe their graduate training, the main focus of their work and the importance of mentoring on their professional development. In addition, they made recommendations for students or early-career professionals preparing for a career in international reproductive health. Three focus groups were conducted with 17 professionals affiliated with the Population Fellows Programs or senior level staff who hire and mentor young professionals at diverse institutions.

Learning Objectives:

• 1. Discuss those skills, experiences and attitudes valued by reproductive health professionals from the USA
• 2. Recognize what employers look for when hiring an early-career professional from the USA to work on international reproductive health projects
• 3. Identify strengths and gaps of current training and experiences that improve preparation for entry into the field of international reproductive health

Keywords: International Reproductive Health, Public Health Education

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: University of Michigan Population Fellows Programs
I have a significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.
Relationship: employee