The management of facial wounds poses unique challenges to the surgeon, given the specialized nature of facial tissue and the aesthetic importance of the face. The wide range of wounds varies from simple superficial skin lacerations to extensive, complex facial injury. The management of the complicated injuries is discussed in relation to the location and the mechanism of injury. Therefore, such cases are most appropriately managed by Surgeons who have a thorough knowledge of applied anatomy, an aesthetic sense and meticulous atraumatic tissue handling expertise, coupled with surgical skill to repair all the composite structures simultaneously. We report a series of cases of complex facial wounds we put forward the difficulties associated and provide a helpful systematic approach to evaluating and treating them.

No abstract

Background: Low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) have the greatest need for additional healthcare providers, and women outside the workforce help address the need. Women in healthcare historically need more mentorship and leadership training to advance their careers. This study evaluates how women working together on a medical team influences mentorship, leadership and empowerment. Methods: An all-female volunteer team participating in a cleft surgery mission in Oujda, Morocco were surveyed before and after the mission. Responses were analyzed according to country of origin, national gender equality ranking, volunteer role, and prior mentorship experiences. Statistical analysis with student’s t-test or chi-squared were performed with significance defined as p<0.05. Results: 95 female volunteers from 23 countries participated and 85% completed surveys. Volunteers from HICs (32%) and LMICs (68%) had similar mission roles (p=0.58) and duration of volunteerism (p=0.69). Experience as a mission volunteer (p=0.47), team leader (p=0.28), and educator (p=0.18) were equivalent between cohorts. 73% of women had previously received mentorship but 98% wanted more. 75% had previously mentored others, but 97% wanted to be mentors. Over 90% of past mentor-mentee relationships were between women. 73% of volunteers who had no prior mentorship found their first mentor during the mission. All participants found a long-term peer relationship and felt motivated to mentor women at home. All volunteers felt empowered and enjoyed the mission. Over 95% were inspired to pursue leadership positions, advance professionally, and work with other women at home. Conclusion: Our results found that this population of female healthcare professionals in HICs and LMICs overwhelmingly desired more mentorship than is felt to be available. An all-female healthcare environment appears to provide opportunities for mentorship and create lasting motivation to teach, lead, and advance professionally. Increasing the visibility of female professionals may effectively empower women in healthcare.

Background: Low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) have the greatest need for additional healthcare providers, and women outside the workforce could help address the need. Women in healthcare need more mentorship and leadership training to advance their careers. This study evaluates how women working together on a medical team impacts mentorship, leadership and empowerment. Methods: An all-female volunteer team participating in a cleft surgery mission in Oujda, Morocco were surveyed before and after the mission. Responses were analyzed according to country of origin, national gender equality ranking, volunteer role, and prior mentorship experiences. Statistical analysis with student’s t-test or chi-squared were performed with significance defined as p<0.05. Results: 95 female volunteers from 23 countries participated and 85% completed surveys. Volunteers from HICs (32%) and LMICs (68%) had similar mission roles (p=0.58) and duration of volunteerism (p=0.69). Experience as a mission volunteer (p=0.47), team leader (p=0.28), and educator (p=0.18) were equivalent between cohorts. 73% of women had previously received mentorship but 98% wanted more. 75% had previously mentored others, but 97% wanted to be mentors. Over 90% of past mentor-mentee relationships were between women. 73% of volunteers who had no prior mentorship found their first mentor during the mission. All participants found a long-term peer relationship and felt motivated to mentor women at home. All volunteers felt empowered and enjoyed the mission. Over 95% were inspired to pursue leadership positions, advance professionally, and work with other women at home.Conclusion: Female healthcare professionals in HICs and LMICs desire more mentorship than is available. An all-female healthcare environment can provide opportunities for mentorship and create lasting motivation to teach, lead, and advance professionally. Increasing the visibility of female professionals may effectively empower women in healthcare.

No abstract