The Importance of Community and Care with Duke University

From April 6-12, 2025, the OMI concluded another successful chapter in its long-standing partnership with Duke University, marking the conclusion of this year’s Family Medicine seminar. This year’s course focused on geriatrics, part of a three-year rotating curriculum that also includes adult medicine and maternal and child health, reinforcing OMI’s commitment to providing comprehensive, globally relevant family medicine education.

The course welcomed 32 fellows from 23 countries, contributing to a vibrant, diverse learning environment that showcased connection, collaboration, and clinical excellence.

This year’s seminar was led by Dr. John W. Ragsdale III, Chief of the Division of Family Medicine at Duke University, marking his ninth participation in the Salzburg course. He was joined by a team of Duke faculty members, including Dr. Teah M. Bayless, Dr. Collin Burks, Dr. Yoon Hie Kim, and Dr. John A. Vaughn. Along with faculty, we were also joined by Dr. Blake P. Kruger, a final-year Family Medicine resident at Duke, to experience this international learning adventure.

Together, professors brought a range of expertise and compassion to the seminar, enriching every lecture, discussion, and workshop session. The seminar’s academic focus on geriatrics encompassed critical themes such as dementia, end-of-life care, and ageism, reflecting the real-world complexity and breadth of family practice. As Dr. Ragsdale noted:

“Duke faculty and an international group of fellows have begun another busy week on geriatric topics including frailty, delirium, and cancer survivorship. Our afternoon workshops have included some incredible case presentations which have highlighted the critical place family medicine holds in health systems across the globe.”

In family medicine, practitioners are often the first point of contact for patients and remain involved across various stages of care. They serve as bridges between patients and the wider health system, especially in underserved or rural areas. Duke University underscores family medicine’s essential role in preventive care, chronic disease management, and whole-person support, making these seminars even more vital for healthcare systems worldwide.

A highlight of this seminar was its interactive format with three workshop sessions where fellows engaged in small group activities alongside faculty. These spaces created moments of mentorship and shared insight.

Among the standout sessions was the Serious Illness Conversations workshop, which resonated deeply with the participants. Dr. Teah Bayless reflected:

“Engaging patients in conversations about their goals is critical to delivering high-value care. Communication skills are typically not taught in medical schools. Being able to learn and practice these skills in a safe space is an amazing opportunity that so often we do not get.”

Workshops, as conveyed by Dr. Bayless, help shape not only better clinicians but also more empathetic communicators – something every community needs in its healthcare providers.

The week wasn’t just about intense clinical learning; it also included moments of cultural exchange and friendship, which is a crucial part of the OMI experience. Fellows and faculty gathered to play Lotería, a Mexican bingo game, accompanied by a great deal of Mexican candy!

“Tonight the fellows and faculty met in the classroom after dinner to play a game of Lotería. Our Mexican members brought an impossible amount of prize candy to the event which was handed out to winners and losers alike. There was lots of laughter which will certainly become a special memory for all of us. It is yet another expression of the special relationship between Duke and the Open Medical Institute, now celebrating its 30th (!) year,” Dr. Ragsdale concluded.

As the 30th anniversary of the Duke-OMI partnership is celebrated this year, the OMI team looks back with pride and ahead with excitement. It is clear that our seminars translate to global health impact, all thanks to the dedication of expert faculty and fellows who carry these lessons back to their home countries. Here’s to the years to come!