Academic Competencies in Academic Global Surgery: A Scoping Review

Area of Science:

• Global Surgery
• Medical Education
• Public Health

Background:

• Global Surgery aims to reduce disparities in surgical care access.
• Academic programs are crucial for training professionals to address systemic global surgical challenges.
• A synthesis of competencies taught in these academic programs is lacking.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review and synthesize the competencies taught in academic global surgery programs.
• To identify and present the educational frameworks utilized in these programs.

Main Methods:

• A scoping review was conducted following Arksey and O'Malley and PRISMA-ScR guidelines.
• Searched peer-reviewed literature and multiple data sources from 2000-2024.
• Thematic and descriptive analysis was performed on 77 included data sources.

Main Results:

• Fellowships were the most common qualification, followed by Master's degrees.
• Key competencies emphasized include equity, research, systems strengthening, and leadership.
• Programs are predominantly located in North America, with diverse educational frameworks and delivery modes.

Conclusions:

• Existing academic global surgery programs show significant diversity and lack standardization.
• Core competencies should be standardized, and programs expanded beyond high-income regions to improve global surgical equity.