The aim of the Global Surgery Portfolio is to develop innovative students who are interested in compassionate surgery and have a trans-disciplinary approach to providing equitable surgical care. We all have the capabilities to become change agents - the hope is to create an environment that enables undergraduate students to nurture their critical thinking & problem-solving skills necessary to improve timely access to safe surgical care.
In collaboration with the UCT Division of Global Surgery, we have several events planned for the year involving inputs from experts across a wide array of fields. We have launched a new 3-part webinar series which is available on YouTube as a resource that is accessible to all current & future students. Our first webinar episode, “Harnessing the Power of Collaboration in Surgery,” explored collaborative ways to strengthen surgical systems, and to improve surgical care as a call to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. In our second webinar episode, “The Future of Healthcare,” the panelists will discuss technological innovations improving healthcare, and the synergies that exist between research & innovation. They will also explore the importance of striving for research that is contextual & insightful. Our third webinar episode will be on “Celebrating Women in Surgery.”
We also have begun planning a Global Surgery Symposium entitled “Navigating the Surgical Recovery during Covid-19 Pandemic Era” which will be held virtually. Additionally, we hope have an introductory accredited short course open for all undergraduate students.
The Future of this Portfolio
Global Surgery is a relatively new evolving field. Off of existing structures, there will be greater undergraduate exposure to the field producing a new generation of aspiring conscientious surgeons.