The Role of Medical Students in Global Pediatric Neurosurgery

Abstract

Objective: Medical students are important for the long-term efficacy of global pediatric neurosurgery initiatives. In this manuscript, we describe the rationale for mobilizing medical students in global pediatric neurosurgery, delineate the potential impact of this mobilization, and detail how to increase exposure of medical students to global pediatric neurosurgery.
 
 Methods: A narrative review was conducted and supplemented with an anecdotal review.
 
 Results: Medical students are a critical asset for global pediatric neurosurgery due to their motivation and diligence, time management and organizational skills, technological proficiency, innovative perspective, and resourcefulness. Fostering the next generation of global pediatric neurosurgeons is important to facilitate long-term engagement in pediatric neurosurgery, ensure the sustainability of global pediatric neurosurgery, develop capacities to collaborate with diverse partners, teach knowledge and skills for engaging in advocacy and capacity-building, and facilitate determination of effective strategies for making progress in global pediatric neurosurgery. Opportunities for medical student involvement include reading key manuscripts; finding mentors; becoming involved in university-based global neurosurgery groups, auxiliary organizations, World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies Global Neurosurgery Committee, InciSion, or general neurosurgery medical student and trainee interest groups.
 
 Conclusion: Medical students represent a valuable asset for addressing the global burden of pediatric neurosurgical disease, ameliorating workforce and equipment deficits, and facilitating access to timely and affordable pediatric neurosurgical care. Involving medical students through existing opportunities and developing additional pathways specific to medical students will strengthen the impact and reach of global pediatric neurosurgical initiatives.