Surgical residency training program in Somalia: Outcomes of 8 years

Abstract

Objective: Improving global surgery through postgraduate medical training in Africa is needed. In this context, implementing surgical residency programs into international developments for global surgery might play a great role to achieve successful results in low-income countries. The aim of this study is to provide insight about postgraduate surgical training program that was initiated in Somalia where there was no prior formal surgical residency program. Methodology: A general surgery residency program was initiated within the collaboration of Istanbul Medeniyet University and Benadir University. Medical doctors from Somalia, who were successful on enrollment exams, were selected for the program. All residents completed a 3-year course of theoretical and practical training, including 2 months at Istanbul Medeniyet University Department of General Surgery each year. Results: Since 2013, 24 residents graduated from the program and 22 of them currently work as attending physicians in Somalia. Abdominal wall hernias, proctological diseases, cholelithiasis, thyroid diseases and breast diseases are the most common pathologies within the elective operations by graduated general surgeons. Also, appendectomy, infection-induced perforation or ischaemia of colon and small bowel and acute mechanical intestinal obstruction due to tumours and adhesions are the most common emergency surgeries. Interventions due to blunt and penetrating trauma are frequently performed. Conclusions: This surgical residency program provides surgical care and supports health systems in Somalia. We believe such programs are important to reduce global burden of surgical diseases.