Anatomy of a global surgeon: A qualitative study on global surgery career experiences across specialties

Global surgery aims to address inequities in access to surgical care in low- and middle-income countries. Trainees face limited exposure, mentorship, and support for engagement in the field. The purpose of this study was to explore the professional and personal experiences of global surgeons to inform strategies for preparing future medical leaders in global surgery.

This qualitative study used semistructured interviews with US-trained surgeons involved in global surgery across specialties. Participants were recruited using purposive and snowball sampling. Interviews were conducted between July and November 2024, audio-recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using a grounded theory constant comparative approach. Two researchers independently coded transcripts using Atlas.ti, with themes refined iteratively until achieving thematic saturation.

Ten interviews were conducted. Four major thematic domains emerged: early influences, professional life, barriers to pursuing a career in global surgery, and general perspectives on the field. Early exposure, mentorship, family and community networks, and value alignment were key facilitators of sustained engagement. Participants identified major barriers, including financial constraints, lack of institutional recognition, resource disparities, and challenges balancing personal and professional responsibilities. Central to effective global surgery practice were humility, longitudinal impact, and institutional support.

Fostering long-term engagement in global surgery requires early exposure, strong mentorship, and dedicated institutional support. Current barriers to global health funding affect future interest and opportunity in global surgical work. Addressing existing barriers and strengthening training pathways are essential to developing the next generation of ethical and clinically competent global surgery leaders with cultural humility and dexterity.