Belize It: Early Resident Experience in a Global Surgery Rotation

Area of Science:

• Global Health
• Surgical Education
• International Medical Missions

Background:

• Established in 2014 by East Tennessee State University's Department of Surgery.
• A global surgical rotation program at La Loma Luz Adventist Hospital in Belize.
• Focuses on providing surgical residents with international clinical experience.

Purpose of the Study:

• To offer surgery residents supervised operative experience and comprehensive patient management.
• To enhance the standard of medical care within the Belizean community.
• To promote healthcare and patient education, fostering volunteerism.

Main Methods:

• One-month rotations for surgery residents accompanied by a senior surgical attending.
• Direct patient care, including surgical procedures and perioperative management.
• Collaboration with local surgeons and internists for case discussion and care planning.

Main Results:

• Residents gain practical surgical skills and experience in diverse clinical settings.
• Improved medical care standards and patient outcomes in the community.
• Increased engagement in global health initiatives and volunteerism.

Conclusions:

• The program successfully provides valuable surgical training in an underserved region.
• It contributes to advancing local healthcare standards and patient education.
• The rotation cultivates a spirit of volunteerism and encourages future participation in global health efforts.