Abstract
Over the last several years there has been a heightened interest in the surgical community in participating in international surgery. Several explanations for this increased interest have been proffered – including an enhanced awareness of the world at large via print and electronic media, the proliferation of social media interactions and a deeper sense of social responsibility. With regard to trainees, a recent survey indicated that at least a fifth of graduating US medical students had participated in international activities related to global health. Another survey among American College of Surgeons Resident Members demonstrated a majority of responders were interested in international rotations and had plans to incorporate some form of international volunteerism into their future practice. Surgical Residency program directors in a recent poll were found to be largely supportive of such international rotations, and over half of US programs already had some form of an informal rotation. It is clear that interest in global health, especially in younger surgeons, is growing.