Effective and Sustainable Global Surgery in Otolaryngology: A Guide for Aspiring Contributors

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION: This panel aims to address an educational gap in otolaryngology residency programs related to short-term surgical trips. While such programs offer residents unique opportunities to contribute to global surgery, very few residency programs offer structured training to ensure that residents are adequately prepared for these experiences. Effective participation requires not only technical expertise but also an understanding of cultural sensitivity, relationship-building, and long-term sustainability.

The panel will feature otolaryngologists dedicated to global surgery from both high- and low-income countries, and will explore the key components of resident training before, during, and after short-term surgical trips. We aim to empower residents to engage meaningfully in these trips, taking on roles that extend beyond surgical skills to include relationship-building, fostering bidirectional education, contributing to research, and ensuring sustainability.

Key discussion topics will include core global surgery principles, strategies for setting bidirectional goals and expectations, the importance of bidirectional education, and methods for creating sustainable surgical programs. We will also cover how residents can engage in bidirectional research, navigate ethical considerations, and avoid common pitfalls to ensure responsible and impactful trips.

By the end of the panel, our goal is to equip residents with the tools to not only participate in global surgery programs but also to take on leadership roles that contribute to their success and ethical integrity, ultimately benefiting both the residents and the communities they serve.

OUTCOME OBJECTIVE 1: Explore key concepts of global surgery for residents interested in short-term surgical trips.

OUTCOME OBJECTIVE 2: Discuss the steps necessary to develop and execute successful short-term global surgery trips for residents.

OUTCOME OBJECTIVE 3: Analyze the downstream effects of global surgery education on residents' development and career trajectories.

BACKGROUND STATEMENT: As short-term surgical trips in ENT grow, residents are increasingly invited to participate. However, the lack of educational preparation often leaves them unready to execute successful, sustainable, educational trips. This panel will explore the need for structured training and guidance.

Comprehensive Otolaryngology Track Statement :