The Innovations in Global Surgery 2024 Congress concluded on Tuesday and where do I begin?
Firstly, it was so inspiring to see surgeons, medical students and trainees coming together with engineers, mathematicians and politics students to discuss innovations that will shape the future of surgical care for hard-to-reach populations all over the world.
Also, a BIG thank you to Prof Salome Maswime for inviting the IASSS - International Association of Student Surgical Societies to contribute - allowing me to say a few words on behalf of our organisation and providing Jessica Davies and myself an opportunity to not only chair a session but also participate on a student and trainee panel discussion. (I also got to introduce the MEC of the Western Cape Prof Nomafrench Mbombo (PhD) - wild!)
Usually, at the end of a congress, and after getting some much-needed rest, one always feels super excited, inspired and engaged. That’s very much where I am. This feeling then tapers off over the next few weeks. However, I know for us at IASSS, we want to keep this momentum going and we encourage you to watch this space as we do so! Global Surgery isn’t just a trend within the surgical field. Every person has a right to safe surgical, obstetric, trauma and anaesthetic care. It’s a crucial element of global health and we have a duty to ensure this as well as to advocate for necessary preventative measures where we can.
I’ll end this post with a very small excerpt from my opening address:
“ An important quote for us over at IASSS is that of an old African Proverb, ‘if you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.’ If I could be so bold, I’d like to add another line to that: ‘if you want to build new and lasting routes, bring with you the next generation.’ ”
You can catch the rest of the speech next month in our IASSS Newsletter - so subscribe! 😉
#globalsurgery #global #surgery #globalhealth