Global Surgical Care University of British Columbia

Overview

The Global Surgical Care programme at the University of British Columbia is a pioneering graduate degree designed to equip surgical care professionals with the expertise required to tackle health inequities in underserved regions. This specialised curriculum bridges the gap between clinical surgical need and the provision of safe, equitable care in low-resource environments globally. Students engage with a multidisciplinary cohort to develop leadership skills and research capabilities essential for improving international health outcomes.

Why Global Surgical Care at the University of British Columbia?

This programme stands out as a unique global offering, being one of the few accredited graduate-level degrees specifically focused on the complexities of global surgical care. Delivered through the Faculty of Medicine’s Department of Surgery, it utilises an innovative online model that allows working professionals from across the globe to participate without relocating. A distinctive feature is the mandatory field practicum, where learners spend four to eight weeks in an underserved location to gain vital on-the-ground experience. Furthermore, the curriculum offers a specialised stream dedicated to the unique surgical challenges faced by rural and remote Indigenous communities within Canada.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

• International fee: CAD 15000 per year
• National fee: CAD 13500 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The curriculum consists of eight core courses and an elective, totalling 30 credits. Modules may include:

• Surgical Care in International Health
• Global Disability: A Surgical Care Mandate
• Surgical Care in Humanitarian Disaster Response
• Program Planning and Evaluation in Surgical Care Low Resource Settings
• Clinical Research Methods for Surgical Procedures
• Surgical Care in Canada's Rural and Remote Indigenous Communities
• Directed Study in Global Surgical Care
• Global Surgical Care Field Practicum

Careers with Global Surgical Care

Graduates are prepared to take on leadership roles within academic institutions, grassroots organisations, and non-governmental agencies involved in international health. The programme empowers professionals to influence policy and care delivery at decision-making levels, focusing on the unmet surgical burden in developing nations. Potential career paths include roles in disaster readiness, health programme evaluation, and clinical leadership in underserved regions. By mastering project methodology and monitoring techniques, alumni are equipped to facilitate sustainable solutions in partnership with international host colleagues and global health agencies.