Position paper advocates for global surgeons based in academic centers

Editor's Note

In this position paper, three global surgery groups advocate for global surgeons based in US academic healthcare centers.

Though 30% of all diseases globally require surgical care and expertise, global surgeons based in academic healthcare centers often face institutional barriers that make it difficult to take time to offer their services in low- and middle-income countries.

However, this position paper from the Association of Academic Surgeons Global Affairs Committee, the Society of University Surgeons Committee on Global Academic Surgery, and the American College of Surgeons Operation Giving Back program contends that surgeons from academic centers have much to gain, including professional education, research experience, and an opportunity to enhance their center’s reputation when they support global surgeons.

The position paper recommends the following:

• Global surgery is an academic surgical specialty, and avenues for promotion should be clearly delineated.
• Academic healthcare centers and surgical departments in the US should recognize the value of global surgery.
• Academic surgical departments should provide support for global surgeons.

As a way to unify global surgery efforts the authors of the position paper are working to create training hubs around the globe to train surgeons, develop collaborative research projects, and foster innovation.