Global Surgery Symposium

• Published in: Journal of pediatric surgery Vol. 54; no. 2; pp. 234 - 238
• Main Authors: Wright, Naomi J, Ade-Ajayi, Niyi, Lakhoo, Kokila
• Format: Journal Article Conference Proceeding
• Language: English
• Published: United States Elsevier Inc 01.02.2019
• Subjects: Developed Countries; Developing Countries; Fellowships and Scholarships - ethics; Global Health - education; Global Health - ethics; Global surgery; Humans; Low- and middle-income countries; Pediatrics - education; Research collaboration; Specialties, Surgical - education; Training; Training; Low- and middle-income countries; Global surgery; Research collaboration
• ISSN: 0022-3468; 1531-5037
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jpedsurg.2018.10.076

This article describes the Global Surgery Symposium held within the 65th British Association of Paediatric Surgeons (BAPS) Annual Congress in 2018. Global surgery is a rapidly expanding and developing field and is of particular importance in paediatrics since children account for up to 50% of the population in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). It is estimated that up to a third of childhood deaths in LMICs are the result of a surgical condition, and congenital anomalies have risen to become the 5th leading cause of death in children less than 5-years of age globally. Trainees in high-income countries (HICs) are increasingly interested in global surgery engagement through clinical placements, research, or education, or a combination of these. There is considerable controversy regarding the ethics, practicalities, usefulness, safety, and sustainability of these initiatives. In addition, there is debate as to whether such placements should occur within the paediatric surgery training pathway. 5 (Expert Opinion).