International surgical residency electives: A collaborative effort from trainees to surgeons working in low- and middle-income countries Journal Article


Authors: Grigorian, A.; Sicklick, J. K.; Kingham, T. P.
Article Title: International surgical residency electives: A collaborative effort from trainees to surgeons working in low- and middle-income countries
Abstract: In today's ever-globalizing climate, the academic sector bears a certain responsibility to incorporate global health opportunities into residency training programs. The worldwide unmet surgical need has been growing; it has been estimated by the World Health Organization that by 2030, surgical diseases will contribute significantly to the burden of global health. International electives (IE) offered during training may partially address this growing need. In addition, it can help trainees develop a heightened awareness of the social determinants of health in resource-limited areas, as well as gain insight into different cultures, health beliefs, and pathologic conditions. General surgery residency programs that offer IE may also stand to benefit by attracting a broader applicant pool, as well as by having the ability to train residents to rely less upon expensive tests and equipment, while further developing residents' physical examination and communications skills. The challenges that IE pose for trainees include the required adaptation to an environment devoid of an advanced and modern medical system, and a difficulty in learning a new language, culture, and local customs. However, IE may also be hazardous for home institutions as they may drain local resources and take limited educational experiences away from local providers. Despite the active promotion of international volunteerism by the American Board of Surgery, few surgery residency programs offer IE as part of the curriculum, with cost and supervision being the major obstacles to overcome. Consequently, it may be difficult to generate American surgical leaders in international health. In this article, we outline the steps needed to bring IE to an institution and how general surgery residency programs can help bridge the gap between surgeons in high-income countries and the growing surgical needs of the international community. © 2014 Association of Program Directors in Surgery.
Keywords: training; education; curriculum; resident; surgeon; surgical training; health care personnel; communication skill; physical examination; language; cost; volunteer; general surgery; cultural factor; education program; residency education; income; international cooperation; medical student; learning; medical school; global health; lowest income group; residency; global surgery; medical profession; human; priority journal; article; cultural sensitivity; international electives; residency review committee; middle income country; social determinants of health
Journal Title: Journal of Surgical Education
Volume: 71
Issue: 5
ISSN: 1931-7204
Publisher: Elsevier Science, Inc.  
Date Published: 2014-09-01
Start Page: 694
End Page: 700
Language: English
DOI: 10.1016/j.jsurg.2014.03.003
PROVIDER: scopus
PUBMED: 24776855
PMCID: PMC6082620
DOI/URL:
Notes: Export Date: 2 September 2014 -- Source: Scopus
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  1. T Peter Kingham
    609 Kingham