Access to essential surgical care remains limited in many countries around the world, especially in regions which are resource-limited in general. Innovation is key to expand surgical access to underserved populations, and can take many forms. Collaboration between medical professionals, engineers, and community experts is required to achieve sustainable improvement of access to surgery worldwide. Examples of collaborations and notable efforts across all stages of development in global surgery are included to provide an impression of the overall scope and diversity of innovation in global surgery.

The main objectives of this course are to give a broad overview of innovation concepts as they relate to global surgery, provide key relevant resources for obtaining mentorship, provide references for studying each topic more in depth, and share practical advice regarding the innovative process based on personal experience. We welcome all budding innovators from around the world to join the course, whether you are in the medical profession or come from another background. While nothing in this course should be taken to constitute medical or legal advice, our hope is that through learning more about global surgery and innovation you will be able to identify barriers hindering patients in your area from accessing surgical care when they need it and become empowered to partner with local, regional, or national efforts to expand surgical access to the underserved. Together through innovation we can work towards universal access to essential surgical care worldwide.