Global
A conversation with Dr. Byron Vaughn
One of the biggest myths held by faculty about the prestigious and popular Fulbright Scholar Program is that it is difficult to be granted an award. Nothing could be further from the truth, and Dr. Byron Vaughn, Associate Professor of Medicine who was recently a Fulbright scholar in Uganda, says that “chances are high that you can succeed.” He added that “people think it’s impossible and you could never do it, but the truth is it just requires some planning.” In fact, he believes that Fulbright is “an underutilized resource.”
Dr. Vaughn had been making plans for a few years to take a sabbatical in Uganda with his two children and his wife, a University professor with research and collaboration ties to Uganda. He appreciated the flexibility of Fulbright, which is available for one or two semesters (compared to two years for other funding programs like the CDC for example), and supports teaching, research, or both.
“It’s been a huge help financially,” he explained. “Fulbright also helped me make connections with other academics doing research. It’s been great to interact with other Fulbright scholars outside of my own work and interact and engage.”
As part of his Fulbright experience, Dr. Vaughn is helping develop curriculum to launch the first gastroenterology fellowship training program in Uganda. The program will be supported by ongoing collaboration with the University of Minnesota through case presentations and eventually trainee and faculty exchange.
“It will really benefit both the University of Minnesota and Uganda. There is a desperate need for GI doctors in Uganda,” he said. “It’s also been a wonderful experience to see these disease processes and have a connection to Uganda and see how care is provided in other parts of the world.”
Dr. Vaughn knew he could make a difference in the healthcare system in Uganda, but the experience is also giving him insights and skills he will bring home to Minnesota. “Coming to Uganda has given me a cultural understanding that will help me when working with the East African immigrant population in Minnesota. My care in Minneapolis will be better, and I hope this is something I can impart on my trainees.”
And he has one more piece of advice for those considering an experience abroad: “If you want to do international work, you can absolutely do it and still have a successful career.”
Byron Vaughn is Associate Professor of Medicine; Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition