Title
Ethics of Surgical Training in Developing Countries
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
11-2007
Source
World Journal of Surgery
Volume
31
Issue
11
First Page
2067
Last Page
2069
URL with Digital Object Identifier
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00268-007-9243-8
Abstract
The practice of surgical trainees operating in developing countries is gaining interest in the medical community. Although there has been little analysis about the ethical impact of these electives, there has been some concerns raised over the possible exploitation of trainees and their patients. An ethical review of this practice shows that care needs to be taken to prevent harm. Inexperienced surgeons learning surgical skills in developing countries engender greater risk of violating basic ethical principles. Advanced surgical trainees who have already achieved surgical competence are best qualified to satisfy these ethical issues. All training programs need to develop a structured ethical review for international electives to protect their trainees and their patients from harm.