A Practical Approach to Understanding Global Surgery

In this kickoff episode of the Behind the Knife Global Surgery Series , we dive into what global surgery really means—and why it matters to all of us. Five billion people lack access to safe, timely, and affordable surgical care. Our guest, Dr. Juan Carlos Puyana, shares powerful insights on redefining global surgery, building meaningful collaborations, and why surgeons in high-resource countries should care deeply about this work. If you want to broaden your vision of surgery, challenge assumptions, and hear stories that connect operating rooms from South Carolina to South Africa, this is an episode you won’t want to miss. Hosts/Guest: Mike M. Mallah, MD, FACS, FICS Director of Global Surgery at Medical University of South Carolina @MikeMMallahMD @MUSCGlobalSurg mallahm@musc.edu Juan Carlos Puyana, MD, FACS O’Brian Chair of Global Surgery at the Royal College of Surgeons Ireland @jcpuyanamd @RCSI_GlobalSurg Learning objectives: Define global surgery and explain how its meaning has evolved to highlight disparities in access to safe, timely, and affordable surgical care worldwide. Recognize the value of global surgery engagement for trainees and surgeons in high-resource settings, including broadening perspectives and fostering humility. Identify principles of ethical collaboration in global surgery, using real-world examples of partnerships built on trust, mutual respect, and shared goals. Please visit https://behindtheknife.org to access other high-yield surgical education podcasts, videos and more. If you liked this episode, check out our recent episodes here: https://behindtheknife.org/listen Behind the Knife Premium: General Surgery Oral Board Review Course: https://behindtheknife.org/premium/general-surgery-oral-board-review Trauma Surgery Video Atlas: https://behindtheknife.org/premium/trauma-surgery-video-atlas Dominate Surgery: A High-Yield Guide to Your Surgery Clerkship: https://behindtheknife.org/premium/dominate-surgery-a-high-yield-guide-to-your-surgery-clerkship Dominate Surgery for APPs: A High-Yield Guide to Your Surgery Rotation: https://behindtheknife.org/premium/dominate-surgery-for-apps-a-high-yield-guide-to-your-surgery-rotation Vascular Surgery Oral Board Review Course: https://behindtheknife.org/premium/vascular-surgery-oral-board-audio-review Colorectal Surgery Oral Board Review Course: https://behindtheknife.org/premium/colorectal-surgery-oral-board-audio-review Surgical Oncology Oral Board Review Course: https://behindtheknife.org/premium/surgical-oncology-oral-board-audio-review Cardiothoracic Oral Board Review Course: https://behindtheknife.org/premium/cardiothoracic-surgery-oral-board-audio-review Download our App: Apple App Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/behind-the-knife/id1672420049 Android/Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.btk.app&hl=en_US