Limited English Proficiency and Graves' Disease at an Urban Safety Net Hospital.

INTRODUCTION: Decision-making regarding definitive therapy for Graves' disease requires effective patient-provider communication. We investigated whether patients with limited English proficiency have differences in thyroidectomy outcomes or perioperative management when compared to English proficient (EP) patients at a safety net hospital with high-volume endocrine surgery practice. METHODS: Retrospective study of patients who underwent thyroidectomy (2012-2021) for Graves' disease within a tertiary referral system. Demographics, preoperative factors, and postoperative outcomes were abstracted via chart review and compared between EP and limited English proficient (LEP) patients in univariate analyses. Odds of postoperative complications were assessed via multivariable logistic regression. Time metrics such as time from endocrinology consultation to surgery were compared via Kaplan-Meier analysis and adjusted Cox proportional regression models. RESULTS: Of 236 patients, 85 (36%) had LEP. Low and equivalent complication rates occurred across language groups (<1% permanent). LEP patients had similar odds of thyroidectomy-specific complications (odds ratio = 1.2; 95% confidence interval 0.6-2.4). Adjusted Cox proportional hazards ratios showed that LEP patients experienced significantly shorter time from endocrinology consultation to surgery compared to EP patients [hazard ratio = 0.7; 95% confidence interval 0.5-0.9]. CONCLUSIONS: Thyroidectomy-specific complication rate for patients with Graves' disease was low, and we detected no independent association between complications and English language proficiency. Non-English primary language was independently associated with reduced time from endocrinology consultation to surgery. This finding must be interpreted with nuance and is likely multifactorial. It may reflect a well-organized, efficient system for under-resourced patients, or it may derive from communication barriers that limit robust shared decision-making, thus accelerating time to surgery.

Impact of Patient Primary Language upon Immediate Breast Reconstruction After Mastectomy.

BACKGROUND: Preoperative decision-making in patients who speak a primary language other than English is understudied. We investigated whether patient primary language is associated with differences in immediate breast reconstruction (IBR) after mastectomy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This retrospective observational study analyzed female patients undergoing mastectomy in the New Jersey State Inpatient Database (2009-2014). The primary outcome was the odds of IBR with a prespecified subanalysis of autologous tissue-based IBR. We used multivariable logistic regression and hierarchical generalized linear mixed models to control for patient characteristics and nesting within hospitals. RESULTS: Of 13,846 discharges, 12,924 (93.3%) specified English as the patient's primary language, while 922 (6.7%) specified a language other than English. Among English-speaking patients, 6178 (47.8%) underwent IBR, including 2310 (17.9%) autologous reconstructions. Among patients with a primary language other than English, 339 (36.8%) underwent IBR, including 93 (10.1%) autologous reconstructions. Unadjusted results showed reduced odds of IBR overall [odds ratio (OR) 0.64, 95% CI 0.55-0.73], and autologous reconstruction specifically (OR 0.52, 95% CI 0.41-0.64) among patients with a primary language other than English. After adjustment for patient factors, this difference persisted among the autologous subgroup (OR 0.64, 95% CI 0.51-0.80) but not for IBR overall. A hierarchical model incorporating both patient characteristics and hospital-level effects continued to show a difference among the autologous subgroup (OR 0.75, 95% CI 0.58-0.97). CONCLUSIONS: Primary language other than English was an independent risk factor for lower odds of autologous IBR after adjustments for patient and hospital effects. Focused efforts should be made to ensure that patients who speak a primary language other than English have access to high-quality shared decision-making for postmastectomy IBR.

Incidental Adrenal Masses: Adherence to Guidelines and Methods to Improve Initial Follow-Up: A Systematic Review.

OBJECTIVE: Incidental adrenal masses (IAMs) are detected in approximately 1%-2% of abdominal computed tomography (CT) scans. Recent estimates suggest that more than 70-million relevant CT scans are performed annually in the United States; thus, IAMs represent a significant clinical entity. Most clinical guidelines recommend an initial follow-up evaluation that includes imaging and biochemical testing after index IAM detection. METHODS: Systematic review of literature in the PubMed, EMBASE and Web of Science databases to determine whether guidelines regarding IAM evaluation are followed and to identify effective management strategies. Our initial search was in January 2018 and updated in November, 2019. RESULTS: 31 studies met inclusion criteria. In most institutions, only a minority of patients with IAMs undergo initial follow-up imaging (median 34%, IQR 20%-50%) or biochemical testing (median 18%, IQR 15%-28%). 2 interventions shown to improve IAM evaluation are IAM-specific recommendations in radiology reports and dedicated multi-disciplinary teams. Interventions focused solely on alerting the ordering clinician or primary care provider to the presence of an IAM have not demonstrated effectiveness. Patients who are referred to an endocrinologist are more likely to have a complete IAM evaluation, but few are referred. DISCUSSION: Most patients with an IAM do not have an initial evaluation. The radiology report has been identified as a key component in determining whether IAMs are evaluated appropriately. Care teams dedicated to management of incidental radiographic findings also improve IAM follow-up. Although the evidence base is sparse, these interventions may be a starting point for further inquiry into optimizing care in this common clinical scenario.

Social Vulnerability and Appendicitis: Single-Institution Study in a High Insurance State.

INTRODUCTION: Multiple factors signifying higher social vulnerability, including lower socioeconomic status and minority race, have been associated with presentation with complicated appendicitis (CA). In this study, we compared the Social Vulnerability Index (SVI) of our population by appendicitis severity (uncomplicated appendicitis [UA] versus CA). We hypothesized that SVI would be similar between patients with UA and CA presenting to our institution, a safety-net hospital in a state with high healthcare insurance coverage. METHODS: We included all patients at our hospital aged 18 y and older who underwent appendectomy for acute appendicitis between 2012 and 2016. SVI values were determined based on the 2010 census data using ArcMap software. We used nonparametric univariate statistics to compare the SVI of patients with CA versus UA and multivariable regression to model the likelihood of operative CA. RESULTS: A total of 997 patients met inclusion criteria, of which 177 had CA. The median composite SVI score for patients with CA was lower than for patients with UA (80% versus 83%, P = 0.004). UA was associated with higher socioeconomic (83% versus 80%, P = 0.007), household/disability (68% versus 55%, P = 0.037), and minority/language SVI scores (91% versus 89%, P = 0.037). On multivariable analysis controlling for age, sex, ethnicity, insurance status, relevant comorbidities, and chronicity of symptoms, there was an inverse association between SVI and the likelihood of CA (odds ratio 0.59, 95% confidence interval 0.4-0.87, P = 0.008). CONCLUSIONS: In the setting of high healthcare insurance and a medical center experienced in caring for vulnerable populations, patients presenting with UA have a higher composite SVI, and thus greater social vulnerability, than patients presenting with CA.

Provider-patient Language Discordance and Cancer Operations: Outcomes from a Single Center Linked to a State Vital Statistics Registry.

INTRODUCTION: Patterns of worldwide immigration have resulted in high rates of discordance between medical providers and the patients they treat. For example, in the USA, 25 million individuals in the USA self-identified that they speak English less than "very well." Previous studies have generated mixed results regarding differences in postoperative outcomes between English proficient (EP) and limited English proficient (LEP) patients. Our objective was to determine whether a difference in outcomes exists for non-English-speaking patients compared to English-speaking patients after operations commonly performed to treat cancer. STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective cohort study was performed in an urban, safety net and tertiary referral medical center over a five-year period. Adult patients undergoing cancer operations were stratified as EP and LEP. We evaluated 30-day revisit to the ED, length of stay (LOS), long-term all-cause mortality, and any major complication on index admission. Regression was used to adjust for baseline comorbidities, case risk, and socioeconomic factors. RESULTS: A total of 2467 patients were included. There was no difference in case risk between language groups, but EP had a larger proportion of high comorbidity scores. Patients in the non-English group were more likely to be uninsured/self-pay and live in neighborhoods with lower median income. After adjustment, we found no difference in long-term mortality [hazard ratio: 0.87 (95% CI 0.52-1.45)]. LEP patients had the same LOS compared to primary EP patients with an IRR of 0.99 (95% CI 0.88-1.10). There was no difference in the odds of revisit to hospital for LEP versus EP, with an OR of 1.08, 95% CI [0.75-1.53] and no difference in major complication (OR 0.76 (95% CI 0.39-1.45). CONCLUSIONS: We found no association between language and outcomes after cancer operations. This lack of difference may reflect local efficacy at treating non-English-speaking patients, and health systems with fewer services for LEP patients might show different results.

Association of Primary Language with Outcomes After Operations Typically Performed to Treat Cancer: Analysis of a Statewide Database.

BACKGROUND: Few studies have evaluated the effect of primary language on surgical outcomes, and no studies have addressed operations typically performed for cancer diagnoses. This study aimed to determine the effect of primary languages other than English on outcomes after surgical oncology operations. METHODS: This study retrospectively analyzed adults undergoing operations typically performed to treat cancer using the NJ Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project State Inpatient Database during the interval of 2009-2014. Language was grouped according to English-, Spanish-, and non-English/non-Spanish (NENS)-speaking groups. The study evaluated in-hospital mortality, 7-day readmission, and hospital length of stay (LOS). Logistic and negative binomial regression methods were applied, and generalized linear mixed models were used to account for nesting within a hospital. RESULTS: This study analyzed 37,531 cases. Non-English speakers were of lower economic status, more likely to be admitted on the weekend, and more likely to undergo higher-risk operations. The likelihood of death in the risk-adjusted multi-level models did not differ between Spanish speakers (odds ratio [OR], 0.67; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.41-1.10) and NENS speakers (OR, 1.16; 95% CI, 0.77-1.75). Readmission rates exhibited high inter-hospital variability (intra-class correlation, 53%). The odds of readmission among Spanish speakers in the non-hierarchical model was increased (OR, 1.50; 95% CI, 1.11-2.02), but this was ameliorated in the multilevel modeling that accounted for variability between hospitals (OR, 1.29; 95% CI, 0.93-1.80). No changes in LOS were observed. CONCLUSIONS: No independent association was observed between primary language and outcomes after operations typically performed to treat cancer in the study population. The higher proportion of weekend admissions may suggest more acute or advanced presentations for non-English speakers. Long-term outcomes may be necessary to discern an impact.

Correction to: Association of Primary Language with Outcomes After Operations Typically Performed to Treat Cancer: Analysis of a Statewide Database.

In the original article, there were errors in Table 1 that were not in accordance with requirements set by the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project (HCUP) Data Use Agreement that apply to this article. Following is the corrected Table 1.

The Association of Primary Language With Emergency General Surgery Outcomes Using a Statewide Database.

BACKGROUND: Emergency general surgery (EGS) represents a diverse set of operations performed on acutely ill patients. Those undergoing EGS are at higher likelihood of complications, readmission, and death, but the effect of primary language on EGS outcomes has not been evaluated. We aimed to evaluate the association of non-English primary language on outcomes after EGS operations. METHODS: The New Jersey Statewide Inpatient Database from 2009 to 2014 was used to evaluate cases representing 80% of the national burden of EGS. Cases were restricted to ages ≥18 y, emergency department admissions, noted to be emergent or urgent, and performed between 0 and 2 d after admission. We evaluated Spanish speakers and non-English, non-Spanish (NENS) speakers compared with English. Outcomes included in-hospital mortality, 7-d readmission, and hospital length of stay (LOS). Logistic and negative binomial regression was used, and generalized linear mixed models were used to account for hierarchy in the data. RESULTS: There were 105,171 patients included. English speakers were majority white and with private insurance; Spanish speakers were younger and with fewer comorbidities. Where differences between Spanish and NENS speakers existed, NENS were more like the English-speaking group. Adjusted results indicate that Spanish speakers had reduced LOS after appendectomy (IRR: 0.92 [0.89-0.95]) and lysis of adhesion [0.93 (0.88-0.97)]. Spanish speakers had an increased LOS after higher risk operations (IRR: 1.14 [1.10-1.20]). NENS speakers had a reduced LOS after adhesiolysis (IRR: 0.94 [0.89-0.99]). There was no difference in mortality or short-term readmission CONCLUSIONS: These data from a large database suggest that the effect of primary language on LOS after EGS depends on the type of operation. Future studies should focus on long-term outcomes and determining if the lack of association we observed is generalizable to other regions of the United States.

Squamous differentiation in papillary thyroid carcinoma: a rare feature of aggressive disease.

BACKGROUND: Papillary thyroid carcinoma with squamous differentiation (PTC-SD) is a poorly understood pathologic finding of unknown clinical significance. Selected case reports have suggested that PTC-SD is an aggressive tumor with a poor prognosis. Here we present the largest case series of PTC-SD reported in the United States. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The cancer registry at our tertiary care referral center was reviewed to identify all patients from 1995-2015 who had been diagnosed with PTC-SD on initial total thyroidectomy or lymph node dissection for recurrent disease. All cases were reviewed by an endocrine pathologist to confirm the diagnosis. Patient demographic, pathology, and outcomes data were collected and reviewed. RESULTS: During the study period, ten patients were diagnosed with PTC-SD, six in the primary tumor at the time of initial surgery, and four in lymph node metastases during surgery for recurrent disease. The median age at diagnosis was 56 y and half of the patients were male. Aggressive features such as multifocality (67%), extrathyroidal extension (67%), positive margin (89%), lymph node metastases (80%), and extranodal extension (60%) were far more prominent than is typically seen in classic PTC. Long-term follow-up (median 56.5 mo) demonstrated high rates of locoregional recurrence (60%), pulmonary metastases (30%), and mortality (10%). CONCLUSIONS: Squamous differentiation is a rare finding in PTC that is associated with aggressive pathologic features and poor long-term outcomes. This phenomenon may represent a step in progression toward dedifferentiation; thus, patients with PTC-SD should have close, life-long surveillance and should be treated according to evidence-based guidelines for high-risk thyroid cancers.

Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) Surgery Resident Operative Logs: The Last Quarter Century.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To describe secular trends in operative experience for surgical trainees across an extended period using the most comprehensive data available, the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) case logs. BACKGROUND: Some experts have expressed concern that current trainees are inadequately prepared for independent practice. One frequently mentioned factor is whether duty hours' restrictions (DHR) implemented in 2003 and 2004 contributed by reducing time spent in the operating room. METHODS: A dataset was generated from annual ACGME reports. Operative volume for total major cases (TMC), defined categories, and four index laparoscopic procedures was evaluated. RESULTS: TMC dropped after implementation of DHR but rebounded after a transition period (949 vs 946 cases, P = nonsignificance). Abdominal cases increased from 22% of overall cases to 31%. Alimentary cases increased from 21% to 26%. Trauma and vascular surgery substantially decreased. For trauma, this drop took place well before DHR. The decrease in vascular surgery also began before DHR but continued afterward as well: 148 cases/resident in the late 1990s to 107 currently. CONCLUSIONS: Although total operative volume rebounded after implementation of DHR, diversity of operative experienced narrowed. The combined increase in alimentary and abdominal cases is nearly 13%, over a half-year's worth of operating in 5-year training programs. Bedrock general surgery cases-trauma, vascular, pediatrics, and breast-decreased. Laparoscopic operations have steadily increased. If the competence of current graduates has, in fact, diminished. Our analysis suggests that operative volume is not the problem. Rather, changing disease processes, subspecialization, reductions in resident autonomy, and technical innovation challenge how today's general surgeons are trained.

Resection of Pheochromocytoma Improves Diabetes Mellitus in the Majority of Patients.

BACKGROUND: Catecholamine excess in patients with pheochromocytoma often results in impaired glucose tolerance, leading to diabetes mellitus. Little data are available on the long-term effect of surgery on diabetes. OBJECTIVE: The primary aim of this study was to determine the likelihood of diabetes cure after surgery, while secondary objectives were to determine risk factors for development of diabetes preoperatively and persistence of diabetes postoperatively. METHODS: All patients undergoing surgery for pheochromocytoma from 1996 to 2015 were retrospectively reviewed to identify those with a preoperative diagnosis of diabetes. Demographic and diabetes-specific data were collected. Median follow-up was 52.1 months. RESULTS: Overall, 153 patients underwent surgery. Diabetes was seen in 36 (23.4%) patients. Eight patients met the exclusion criteria and were removed from the final analysis, while 22 (78.6%) patients had complete resolution of diabetes. Four patients remained on medication with improved control. Overall, 93.0% of patients had improvement of their diabetes; two patients did not improve. Patients with large, symptomatic tumors were more likely to develop preoperative diabetes, and diabetes was more likely to persist in patients who had an elevated body mass index (BMI). CONCLUSIONS: Diabetes was found concurrently with pheochromocytoma in 23% of patients, more often in those with large, symptomatic tumors. The majority of patients had long-term resolution of diabetes after successful resection; however, some patients may continue to require treatment of diabetes after operation, especially those with a higher BMI.

Acute appendicitis: modern understanding of pathogenesis, diagnosis, and management.

Acute appendicitis is one of the most common abdominal emergencies worldwide. The cause remains poorly understood, with few advances in the past few decades. To obtain a confident preoperative diagnosis is still a challenge, since the possibility of appendicitis must be entertained in any patient presenting with an acute abdomen. Although biomarkers and imaging are valuable adjuncts to history and examination, their limitations mean that clinical assessment is still the mainstay of diagnosis. A clinical classification is used to stratify management based on simple (non-perforated) and complex (gangrenous or perforated) inflammation, although many patients remain with an equivocal diagnosis, which is one of the most challenging dilemmas. An observed divide in disease course suggests that some cases of simple appendicitis might be self-limiting or respond to antibiotics alone, whereas another type often seems to perforate before the patient reaches hospital. Although the mortality rate is low, postoperative complications are common in complex disease. We discuss existing knowledge in pathogenesis, modern diagnosis, and evolving strategies in management that are leading to stratified care for patients.

Unilateral Clearance for Primary Hyperparathyroidism in Selected Patients with Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia Type 1.

BACKGROUND: Primary hyperparathyroidism is the most common manifestation of multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN1). Guidelines advocate subtotal parathyroidectomy (STP) or total parathyroidectomy with autotransplantation due to high prevalence of multiglandular disease; however, both are associated with a significant risk of permanent hypoparathyroidism. More accurate imaging and use of intraoperative PTH levels may allow a less extensive initial parathyroidectomy (unilateral clearance, removing both parathyroids with cervical thymectomy) in selected MEN1 patients with primary hyperparathyroidism. METHODS: We performed a retrospective cohort study at a high-volume tertiary medical center including patients with MEN1 and primary hyperparathyroidism, who underwent STP or unilateral clearance as their initial surgery from 1995 to 2015. Unilateral clearance was offered to patients who had concordant sestamibi and ultrasound showing a single enlarged parathyroid gland. For both the groups, we compared rates of persistent/recurrent disease and permanent hypoparathyroidism. RESULTS: Eight patients had unilateral clearance and 16 had STP. Subtotal parathyroidectomy patients were younger (37 vs 52 years). One patient in each group had persistent disease. One (13 %) unilateral clearance and five (31 %) STP patients had recurrent hyperparathyroidism after a mean follow-up of 47 and 68 months (p = 0.62). No unilateral clearance patients and two of 16 SPT patients had permanent hypoparathyroidism (p = 0.54). CONCLUSIONS: Some MEN1 patients with primary hyperparathyroidism who have concordant localizing studies may be selected for unilateral clearance as an alternative to STP. For appropriately selected MEN1 patients, unilateral clearance can achieve similar results as STP and has no risk of permanent hypoparathyroidism, and may facilitate possible future reoperations.

Use of PET tracers for parathyroid localization: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: The great spatial and temporal resolution of positron emission tomography might provide the answer for patients with primary hyperparathyroidism (pHPT) and non-localized parathyroid glands. We performed a systematic review of the evidence regarding all investigated tracers. METHODS: A study was considered eligible when the following criteria were met: (1) adults ≥17 years old with non-familial pHPT, (2) evaluation of at least one PET isotope, and (3) post-surgical and pathological diagnosis as the gold standard. Performance was expressed in sensitivity and PPV. RESULTS: Twenty-four papers were included subdivided by radiopharmaceutical: 14 studies investigated L-[11C]Methionine (11C-MET), one [11C]2-hydroxy-N,N,N-trimethylethanamium (11C-CH), six 2-deoxy-2-[18F]fluoro-D-glucose (18F-FDG), one 6-[18F] fluoro-L-DOPA (18F-DOPA), and three N-[(18F)Fluoromethyl]-2-hydroxy-N,N-dimethylethanaminium (18F-FCH). The 14 studies investigating MET included a total of 327 patients with 364 lesions. Sensitivity for the detection of a lesion in the correct quadrant had a pooled estimate of 69 % (95 % CI 60-78 %). Heterogeneity was overall high with I2 of 51 % (p = 0.01) for all 14 studies. Pooled PPV ranged from 91 to 100 % with a pooled estimate of 98 % (95 % CI 96-100 %). Of the other investigated tracers, 18-FCH seems the most promising with high diagnostic performance. CONCLUSIONS: The results of our meta-analysis show that 11C-MET PET has an overall good sensitivity and PPV and may be considered a reliable second-line imaging modality to enable minimally invasive parathyroidectomy. Our literature review suggests that 18F-FCH PET may produce even greater accuracy and should be further investigated using both low-dose CT and MRI for anatomical correlation.

Enteral contrast in the computed tomography diagnosis of appendicitis: comparative effectiveness in a prospective surgical cohort.

OBJECTIVE: Our goal was to perform a comparative effectiveness study of intravenous (IV)-only versus IV + enteral contrast in computed tomographic (CT) scans performed for patients undergoing appendectomy across a diverse group of hospitals. BACKGROUND: Small randomized trials from tertiary centers suggest that enteral contrast does not improve diagnostic performance of CT for suspected appendicitis, but generalizability has not been demonstrated. Eliminating enteral contrast may improve efficiency, patient comfort, and safety. METHODS: We analyzed data for adult patients who underwent nonelective appendectomy at 56 hospitals over a 2-year period. Data were obtained directly from patient charts by trained abstractors. Multivariate logistic regression was utilized to adjust for potential confounding. The main outcome measure was concordance between final radiology interpretation and final pathology report. RESULTS: A total of 9047 adults underwent appendectomy and 8089 (89.4%) underwent CT, 54.1% of these with IV contrast only and 28.5% with IV + enteral contrast. Pathology findings correlated with radiographic findings in 90.0% of patients who received IV + enteral contrast and 90.4% of patients scanned with IV contrast alone. Hospitals were categorized as rural or urban and by their teaching status. Regardless of hospital type, there was no difference in concordance between IV-only and IV + enteral contrast. After adjusting for age, sex, comorbid conditions, weight, hospital type, and perforation, odds ratio of concordance for IV + enteral contrast versus IV contrast alone was 0.95 (95% CI: 0.72-1.25). CONCLUSIONS: Enteral contrast does not improve CT evaluation of appendicitis in patients undergoing appendectomy. These broadly generalizable results from a diverse group of hospitals suggest that enteral contrast can be eliminated in CT scans for suspected appendicitis.

Traumatic near amputation secondary to hippopotamus attack: lessons for surgeons.

A 34-y-old man presented to Naivasha District Hospital (NDH) in Naivasha Town, Kenya, with near-complete below-knee amputation and hemorrhage after a hippopotamus attack. Residents from the University of Washington (UW), Departments of Surgery, Anesthesia, and Medicine, were rotating at NDH with the Clinical Education Partnership Initiative, a joint venture of UW and University of Nairobi. These providers met the patient in the operating theater. The leg was mangled with severely traumatized soft tissues and tibia-fibula fractures. The visiting UW Surgery resident (R3) and an NDH medical officer (second-year house officer) performed emergency below-knee completion amputation--the first time either had performed this operation. The three major vessel groups were identified and ligated. Sufficient gastrocnemius and soleus were preserved for future stump construction. The wound was washed out, packed with betadine-soaked gauze, and wrapped in an elasticized bandage. Broad-spectrum antibiotics were initiated. Unfortunately, the patient suffered infection and was revised above the knee. After a prolonged course, the patient recovered well and was discharged home. NDH house officers and UW trainees collaborated successfully in an emergency and conducted the postoperative care of a patient with a serious and challenging injury. Their experience highlights the importance of preparedness, command of surgical basics, humility, learning from mistakes, the expertise of others, a digitally connected surgical community, and the role of surgery in global health. These lessons will be increasingly pertinent as surgical training programs create opportunities for their residents to work in developing countries; many of these lessons are equally applicable to surgical practice in the developed world.

The Clinical Education Partnership Initiative: an innovative approach to global health education.

BACKGROUND: Despite evidence that international clinical electives can be educationally and professionally beneficial to both visiting and in-country trainees, these opportunities remain challenging for American residents to participate in abroad. Additionally, even when logistically possible, they are often poorly structured. The Universities of Washington (UW) and Nairobi (UoN) have enjoyed a long-standing research collaboration, which recently expanded into the UoN Medical Education Partnership Initiative (MEPI). Based on MEPI in Kenya, the Clinical Education Partnership Initiative (CEPI) is a new educational exchange program between UoN and UW. CEPI allows UW residents to partner with Kenyan trainees in clinical care and teaching activities at Naivasha District Hospital (NDH), one of UoN's MEPI training sites in Kenya. METHODS: UW and UoN faculty collaborated to create a curriculum and structure for the program. A Chief Resident from the UW Department of Medicine coordinated the program at NDH. From August 2012 through April 2014, 32 UW participants from 5 medical specialties spent between 4 and 12 weeks working in NDH. In addition to clinical duties, all took part in formal and informal educational activities. Before and after their rotations, UW residents completed surveys evaluating clinical competencies and cross-cultural educational and research skills. Kenyan trainees also completed surveys after working with UW residents for three months. RESULTS: UW trainees reported a significant increase in exposure to various tropical and other diseases, an increased sense of self-reliance, particularly in a resource-limited setting, and an improved understanding of how social and cultural factors can affect health. Kenyan trainees reported both an increase in clinical skills and confidence, and an appreciation for learning a different approach to patient care and professionalism. CONCLUSIONS: After participating in CEPI, both Kenyan and US trainees noted improvement in their clinical knowledge and skills and a broader understanding of what it means to be clinicians. Through structured partnerships between institutions, educational exchange that benefits both parties is possible.