Peer-led surgery education: A model for a surgery interest group.

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Surgical Training
• Global Health Equity

Background:

• Medical students in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) often lack structured guidance for surgical careers.
• Establishing Surgery Interest Groups (SIGs) can bridge this gap, fostering early engagement and career development.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a systematic, sustainable, and student-led model for a SIG in an LMIC setting.
• To encourage the replication of similar SIGs in other medical institutions globally.

Main Methods:

• Development of a SIG model at Aga Khan University Medical College, Karachi.
• Involvement of medical students, teaching associates, residents, faculty, and alumni.
• Focus on providing opportunities for skill development, personal growth, mentorship, and research.

Main Results:

• The SIG model demonstrated consistent growth and expansion over four years.
• The model successfully connected interested students with crucial surgical training program resources.

Conclusions:

• The presented SIG model is effective and sustainable in an LMIC context.
• This replicable framework can significantly enhance surgical career pathways for medical students in similar settings.