Evolving State of Global Health Education for Anesthesiology Trainees

Many medical specialties have developed successful curricula that address evolving healthcare needs worldwide. However, most US-based anesthesiology training programs lack formal instruction to educate residents on health systems and the epidemiological, cultural, clinical, and ethical challenges relevant to the provision of anesthesia in resource-constrained settings. This deficiency in training persists despite the fact that the majority of the world’s surgical disease and pain burdens exist in resource-constrained settings. Anesthesia and pain management are essential components of global health. Formal training is necessary to ensure fundamental global health proficiencies for future anesthesiologists. With emerging diseases that freely cross national borders and global migration of populations increasing, education in global health will be relevant not only for those that engage in healthcare in low- and middle-income countries, but also for those who practice in high-income countries where issues of health disparities are often similarly complex and neglected.