Transformative Lessons in Global Surgery: My Elective Experience in Saint-Louis, Senegal

By Lilly Groszman 

Completing a global health elective in Saint-Louis, Senegal during my final year of medical school under Dr. Jeremy Grushka’s mentorship has been one of the most transformative experiences of my training. This elective solidified my commitment to global surgery and underscored the invaluable role of the Centre for Global Surgery (CGS) in my professional development. Dr. Grushka has been an exceptional mentor, whose guidance I sincerely appreciate and aspire to emulate in my future career as a surgeon. The CGS and the Global Health Surgery (GHS) Program both played a pivotal role in shaping my understanding of the broader impact of surgery in resource-limited settings. I am filled with profound gratitude toward the CGS team and its global partners, with whom I hope to continue working in the future. Their support made this experience possible, and I am eager to integrate global surgery into my career. 

In Saint-Louis, Senegal, I focused on implementing and optimizing the Amber electronic trauma registry system at the Hospital Center Regional De Saint-Louis. My work involved providing training and support for local healthcare staff, ensuring they could effectively navigate and utilize the registry to improve patient care. Additionally, I was responsible for monitoring and managing the data input process to maintain the accuracy and completeness of the information collected, which is crucial for trauma care and research.

This trip illuminated the challenges and unpredictability of global health research, particularly in adapting technological solutions to low-resource environments. The experience also emphasized the importance of flexibility, resilience, and creative problem-solving when setbacks arise. Lastly, it deepened my appreciation for the complex landscape of global surgery. I am committed to incorporating these lessons into my future work, driving meaningful change in global health. 

Lilly Groszman

is a 4th-year medical student at McGill University with a passion for global health and surgery. She is dedicated to advancing surgical care in resource-limited settings and aims to integrate her global health experiences into her future career as a surgeon.

Editors: Ahoor Saleem and Hyacinth Domingo