The study evaluates participant feedback from four years of the course (2021–2024), surveying attendees on their experiences, knowledge gains, and subsequent professional activities. With responses from 89 participants representing a wide global demographic – 68% from low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) and 70% female – the findings illustrate the course’s broad appeal and real-world relevance.
Key outcomes highlighted in the publication include:
- Universal course satisfaction: All respondents rated the course as excellent and educationally beneficial.
- Applied learning: 87% of participants reported frequent application of course material in their daily work.
- Continued engagement: After completing the course, 70% joined global surgery groups, 63% contributed to academic publications, and 58% pursued further education in the field.
- Leadership and advocacy: Many respondents reported engagement in policy advocacy and successful grant or scholarship attainment.
Ruth Devaraj, co-author and Project Manager within Oxford University Global Surgery Group at the Nuffield Department of Surgical Sciences, said: 'The paper was authored by faculty in collaboration with a former student from the course, Sacha Williams from McGill University, and shows very impressive stats for how the course has impacted the delegates and their ongoing work.'
The article concludes that the Oxford Global Surgery Short Course not only enhanced participants’ knowledge and skills but also positively influenced their careers and contributions to global surgical care. Importantly, it underscores the feasibility and value of structured global surgery education in addressing inequities in surgical access and outcomes across diverse healthcare settings.
This research adds to growing evidence that interdisciplinary training is essential to achieving equitable surgical care and supports global efforts toward improved health systems – particularly in underserved regions.
The full article is available online via Springer Nature: Perspectives and impact of a graduate global surgery course.
