Five billion people around the word lack access to safe surgical care (International Journal of Surgery Open 2021;28:202:63-9). Approximately $4 billion is spent annually on medical mission trips to provide medical services to countries in need (Global Health 2016;12:45). Despite this, a dire need continues to exist. The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic temporarily halted many humanitarian outreach missions, further exacerbating existing global inequities. The questions we must now ask are not only how we can help bridge this gap, but how we can strengthen our efforts in promoting sustainable change within the communities we seek to serve.
Engaging providers who are relatively early in training, such as students, medical residents, and fellows, can foster a greater awareness and understanding of the needs that exist in the developing world. Residents who have participated in such initiatives have reported an improved adaptability to new health care settings, communication with patients...
