Planning and Executing the Neurosurgery Boot Camp: The Bolivia Experience

Area of Science:

• Global Health
• Medical Education
• Neurosurgery

Background:

• Neurosurgical boot camps are standard in U.S. postgraduate education.
• This study details the first neurosurgical boot camp implementation in a developing country (Bolivia).
• The initiative aimed to assess the feasibility and effectiveness of international neurosurgical training.

Purpose of the Study:

• To implement and evaluate the first South American neurosurgical boot camp.
• To determine the feasibility and effectiveness of this educational model in an international setting.
• To foster collaboration and advance neurosurgical education in South America.

Main Methods:

• A collaborative effort organized the boot camp in Bolivia in 2015.
• U.S. and Bolivian faculty delivered didactic lectures and hands-on simulation training.
• Surveys assessed participant enthusiasm and perceived knowledge improvement.

Main Results:

• Twenty-four residents from five South American countries participated.
• High average survey scores (4.2-4.9/5) indicated positive reception and perceived educational value.
• The event led to the formation of a Bolivian institute for continued educational initiatives.

Conclusions:

• The South American neurosurgical boot camp was highly valuable and well-received.
• This humanitarian model offers a sustainable approach to neurosurgical education needs.
• Expansion to other regions can help standardize core neurosurgical competencies globally.