Making Scientific Conferences Effective Learning Platforms For Global Surgery Trainees: A Review Of Literature And Experience From University Of Global Health Equity, Rwanda

Making Scientific Conferences Effective Learning Platforms For Global Surgery Trainees: A Review Of Literature And Experience From University Of Global Health Equity, Rwanda

Alexandre Muhawenimana, Marie M Cyuzuzo, Eric Ssennuni
Centre for Equity in Global Surgery, University of Global Health Equity, Kigali, Rwanda

Introduction: This study aimed to explore the role of scientific conferences as effective learning tools for global surgery trainees, using a review of existing literature and experience from trainees at the University of Global Health Equity (UGHE), Rwanda.

Methods: We conducted a narrative review of literature combined with experiential insights from global surgery trainees at UGHE. We searched PubMed, Google Scholar, and Scopus using queries: (“scientific conferences” OR “academic meetings”) AND (“medical students” OR “surgical trainees”) AND (“learning outcomes” OR “professional development”) AND (“global surgery” OR “global health”). Inclusion criteria were English-language articles published between 2010 and 2024 focusing on trainee experiences, learning outcomes, or educational strategies related to conferences. In February 2025, UGHE trainees attended the Pan-Africa Surgical Conference (PASC), supported by the Center for Equity in Global Surgery and their structured reflections were analysed thematically and compared with insights from the literature.

Results: The literature shows that conferences enhance research capacity, professional identity, and leadership skills. UGHE trainees reported key benefits in scientific communication, critical thinking, and networking. Institutional support, including funding and mentorship, was crucial to effective engagement. We propose a three-phase model, pre-conference preparation, active participation, and post-conference debriefing, centered on partnership and co-ownership by trainees to optimize educational and professional outcomes.

Conclusion: With institutional support before, during and after, scientific conferences may offer transformative extra-curricular learning experiences for global surgery trainees.

Keywords: Scientific Conferences, Global Surgery, Trainees, Rwanda