An International Volunteer Program for General Surgery Residents at Brown Medical School: The Tenwek Hospital Africa Experience

摘要

Surgical training programs provide the structure for young physicians to become thoughtful, responsible, and aware attending surgeons; aware not only of the latest operative techniques and equipment, but also of the profound societal responsibility that comes with surgical training. For many years, opportunities have existed for general surgery residents to participate in medical volunteer work in America and abroad. In the past, complaints of time constraints, cost, lack of volunteer site supervision, concerns for resident safety, and institutional resident coverage issues were cited as barriers to such participation. Now, there is a growing call for surgical residents to volunteer in developing communities, not only because it benefits the community, but also because it enriches the residents' learning experience.