JB & JS open access
Assessing Resident Perceptions and Needs: Global Orthopaedic Opportunities in North American Residency Programs
By MacKechnie MC, Turkmani A, MacKechnie MA and 22 others.
Abstract
Introduction
Global orthopaedics includes collaborative efforts to improve clinical care, education, research, and capacity across international settings, with an emphasis on equitable, bidirectional, and sustainable partnerships. Interest in global orthopaedics among North American residents continues to grow, yet structured opportunities for clinical, educational, and research engagement in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) remain limited. This study evaluated the availability of global orthopaedic opportunities within residency programs and assessed resident experiences, perceptions, and interest in expanding these initiatives.
Methods
A cross-sectional survey was distributed to orthopaedic surgery residents in the United States and Canada through the Consortium of Orthopaedic Academic Traumatologists (COACT)-affiliated faculty and resident leads. Residents from postgraduate years 1 to 5 were eligible. Survey domains included prior global health experience, opportunities available at home institutions, resident satisfaction with existing resources, and interest in future global orthopaedic engagement. Descriptive statistics were performed.