Fundamentals for establishing and maintaining an academic centre for global surgery: the University of Utah experience

Abstract

Background: Although departments of surgery and surgical specialties are well established components of all medical schools, these departments generally focus on the teaching of technical aspects of surgery and clinical and basic science aspects of perioperative care. Few departments have dedicated resources to the study of surgical systems or ecosystems within health care as a whole. The Center for Global Surgery at the University of Utah was founded on the mission to develop the next generation of global surgical and anaesthesia leaders able to design innovative, affordable surgical care, locally and abroad, that is accessible to all through education, research, development, and advocacy. Methods: The following were established as priorities: overcoming misconceptions about the scope of global surgery and its potential as an academic endeavour; improving public and academic awareness of disparities in surgical care as a public health problem; advocating for improved access for underserved populations worldwide; and extending expertise in global surgery by training undergraduate students, graduate students, medical students, residents, fellows, and faculty in research methods pertinent to the field. Findings: Initially approved as a programme within the Department of Surgery in 2009, the Center for Global Surgery has grown to include participation of other departments within the health sciences programmes (anaesthesia, ophthalmology, orthopaedics, family practice, preventive medicine, and telehealth) and the main campus (engineering and anthropology) to serve a broad community within the University of Utah and worldwide. The centre provides a forum for collaboration and intersection of many disciplines that affect surgical care. Since its inception, the centre has supported engagement in advocacy at the World Health Assembly; education, including courses in global surgery; the University of Utah's Extreme Affordability Conferences; and international collaborative research. Interpretation: Global surgery is now recognised in foundational surgical textbooks and publications on disease control priorities. Similar academic programmes in global surgery could benefit universities at many levels and should be integrated into dynamic and robust health education. Funding: University of Utah School Department of Surgery, Adele Parkinson Endowment.