Canadian surgeon and resident involvement in international plastic surgery

Abstract

Surgery has become increasingly recognized as an important component of health care in low and middle income countries (LMICs). Many surgeons from high income countries (HICs) are interested in working on improving access to surgery in LMICs. We sought to evaluate the involvement and potential barriers of Canadian plastic surgeons and plastic surgery residents in international work with an online survey. The survey indicated that plastic surgery residents have a high interest and involvement in international electives, with 45% of graduating residents previously involved. About 40% of respondents were involved in international projects, and academic plastic surgeons were more frequently involved than community surgeons. Taking time off work and personal/family commitments were cited as the greatest obstacles for those who are currently involved, whereas finding opportunities was the biggest challenge for those who would like to participate in the future.

The Implementation of International Electives for Plastic Surgery Residents: Current State and Future Directions

“…The number of questions ranged from 10 to 60 and the response rates ranged from 11.4% to 90.5%, with the majority (n=7) above 79%. Participants had partaken in missions as residents in 75% (n=9/12) of the surveys conducted; however, their level of postgraduate training was only specified in 1 survey study 15 . Two surveys were conducted with the goal of assessing the perceived value of surgical missions from the perspective of current residents and local trainees 5,16 .…”

“…Participants had partaken in missions as residents in 75% (n = 9/12) of the surveys conducted; however, their level of postgraduate training was only specified in 1 survey study. 15 Two surveys were conducted with the goal of assessing the perceived value of surgical missions from the perspective of current residents and local trainees. 5,16 Missions were thought to be valuable for both surgical education and professional development in general.…”