The ACS Divisions of Education and Member Services, along with the International Relations Committee, offered the International Scholarship for Surgical Education (ISSURGED) again in 2023. This scholarship provides faculty members from countries other than the US and Canada with the opportunity to participate in a variety of educational opportunities for faculty development and enhancement that will result in the acquisition of new knowledge and skills in surgical education and training.
In addition to receiving an invitation to Clinical Congress, ACS staff facilitate the matching of scholars to their preferred ACS-AEI, making introductions, and helping coordinate site visits post-Congress. For 2023, scholarship recipients received a stipend of $15,000 to offset travel expenses associated with attending Clinical Congress and visiting an AEI.
The 2023 International Scholarship for Surgical Education awardees are:
- Esubalew Taddese Mindaye, MD, from Saint Paul’s Hospital Millennium Medical College in Ethiopia
- Gift Mulima, MBBS, MCS(ECSA), FCS(ECSA), F.MAS, from Kamuzu Central Hospital in Malawi
While at Clinical Congress, the scholars participated in plenary sessions and courses that address surgical education and training, including the Surgical Education: Principals and Practice (SEPAP) Postgraduate course that is focused on the principles of adult learning, curriculum development, and teaching technical skills.
During the post-Congress AEI site visits, the scholars observed cases, participated in courses, toured training facilities, and learned about the simulation and learning environment.
The following AEIs participated in hosting this year’s scholars:
- Baylor University Medical Center and Academic Simulation Program in Dallas, Texas
- Inova Fairfax Medical Campus: Advanced Surgical Technology and Education Center (ASTEC) in Falls Church, Virginia
The ACS is most appreciative of those AEIs who hosted an international scholar this year. Upon their return home, the scholars will be providing a written reflection of their learning experiences and an implementation plan for sharing their knowledge and insights with their home institutions.
If you have any questions on the ISSURGED program or are interested in hosting an international scholar in Fall 2024, contact ACS Division of Education at facdev@facs.org. Visit the scholarship web page for additional information.
