Surgical training strategies for physicians practicing in an isolated environment: an example from Antarctica. International survey of 13 countries with active winter stations.

ABSTRACT: For 60 years, human presence in Antarctica has required particularly demanding medical skills. Nevertheless, the preparation of physicians working in this extreme environment remains unknown and deserves clarification. This study aimed to summarise data on the surgical training given to physicians by different countries. In April 2020, we conducted a questionnaire-based study of 14 countries wintering in Antarctica. Responses were descriptively analysed. Regarding the profiles of physicians recruited by the wintering countries, 30% to 55% were non-surgeon doctors compared with 45% to 70% for surgeons depending on the year. Of the 13 countries answering the questionnaire, nine organised practical surgical training and six used theoretical material. All countries reported practical training

SUBMITTER: Lecordier M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10375923 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature