UBC Branch for Global Surgical Care

Global surgery is an emerging discipline focused on expanding access to safe, timely, and affordable surgical care in regions where the need is greatest.

This includes capacity building in low-resource settings, sustainable global surgical partnerships, and surgical care in humanitarian and disaster response contexts. At its core, it reflects a clear and increasing need for health professionals trained in global surgical care.

History & Mission

2009

Branch for Global Surgical Care

Established in 2009, the Branch provide graduate‑level programs for surgical care clinicians, residents in training, and multidisciplinary health professionals. Our programs support those who want to integrate international surgical care into their careers.

2021

The Global Surgery Lab

Founded in 2021, the Lab is an interdisciplinary, inclusive, and equity‑driven community dedicated to improving access to surgical care in underserved regions. We focus on innovative, anti‑colonialist educational platforms, research projects grounded in equity and community partnership, and collaborative approaches that challenge traditional global health models.

Ongoing

Synergies between the Branch and Lab

As our graduate courses and programs continue to shape new surgical leaders in the field, in parallel, the Global Surgery Lab focuses on grassroots efforts to improve surgical care on the ground. The existing synergies between the two further allow the Department of Surgery to promote Global Surgical Care and fulfill its strategic priorities in the areas of research and innovation, education, faculty engagement and development, and the creation of sustainable partnerships at the provincial, national and global levels.

Our Education Programs

Master of Global Surgical Care (MGSC)

Online 2-year, 30-credit specialized program designed to prepare surgical care professionals from many disciplines to address surgical challenges and contribute to solutions in low-resource settings globally.

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Graduate Certificate in Global Surgical Care (GCGSC)

Online 12-credit certificate program designed to meet the growing need for professional development in global surgical care.

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MD Undergraduate Elective

Online 2-week global surgery elective course that provides MD undergraduate students the opportunity to explore global surgery with the support of an experienced BGSC faculty member as a preceptor.

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Delivered fully online and accessible internationally, our programs are available to students all around the world.

Interdisciplinary in nature. Join a diverse classroom of surgeons and allied health professionals from different disciplines and regional settings.

Flexible with both full-time and part-time options. Our programs can be integrated at a comfortable pace by working professionals.