Ethical dilemmas in anesthesia mission trips

Health inequities continue to exist globally especially when it comes to surgical and anesthesia services. Due to the lack of physician anesthesiologists in low- and middle-income countries, there has been an increase in the number of medical mission trips. Although these volunteers are attempting to fulfill a need they must be mindful and remember to adhere to ethical principles as they work collaboratively with host institutions. We will review the ethical dilemmas inherent in anesthesia mission trips.

Physician volunteers for medical missions may cause significant harm to patients and host communities if they do not work in tandem with host institutions.

Medical missions fulfill acute medical needs and have the opportunity to make a positive contribution to host communities by fulfilling local needs and supporting educational efforts for local providers.