Integrating a global surgery curriculum into an academic surgery residency in the United States

• DOI: 10.1007/s44186-025-00357-7
• Publication Date: 2025-04-08T07:29:30Z
• Authors: Bethany Brock; Stefan Kovac; Garrett Barnes Ma...; Lauren Gleason; Ayesiga Herman; Britney Corey; Lily Gutnik

Abstract

Purpose Global surgery interest is high among trainees, but education is limited and focused on international electives. We piloted a longitudinal global surgery curriculum integrated into the general surgery residency program in a large academic medical center over 1 year.

Methods We established and integrated a global surgery curriculum into the existing general surgery curriculum. Cross-sectional surveys using a Likert scale were distributed to all surgery residents at the beginning and end of the academic year to assess self-reported global surgery knowledge and interest. Pre and post-comparisons were made using Chi-squared and Mann–Whitney U tests.

Results Our global surgery curriculum consisted of weekly didactics, which were integrated into the 4-week organ system blocks and topics integrated into the research curriculum. A total of 25 residents completed the pre-survey (47% response rate). A total of 17 residents completed the post-survey (32% response rate). Median Global Surgery Knowledge was 2 (IQR 2–3) before curriculum and 2 (IQR 1–3) post curriculum (p = 0.705). Median Global Surgery Interest was 4 (IQR 3–5) before curriculum and 4 (IQR 1.5–5) post curriculum (p = 0.988). Median Global Surgery Importance was 3 (IQR 2–4) before curriculum and 3 (IQR 2-5) post curriculum (p = 0.546). There was no significant difference in global surgery career interest, with 45.83% interested in the pre-survey and 50% interested in the post-survey (p = 0.796).

Discussion Due to insufficient trainee interest and competing educational priorities, the global surgery curriculum was restructured from an integrated curriculum for all residents to a multi-dimensional track for residents committed to global surgery.