Surgery in Africa Monthly Reviews: introduction

Surgery in Africa Monthly Reviews is a joint educational initiative of the Office of International Surgery, University of Toronto, and the College of Surgeons of East, Central and Southern Africa (COSECSA). Its objectives are to provide free, context-relevant curriculum material online to surgical trainees in low-income countries and to encourage surgeons in Africa and elsewhere to critically examine their practices. In general, the initiative encourages collaboration and exchange of experience among surgeons around the globe. Linked to the Ptolemy Project (www.ptolemy.ca/members), Surgery in Africa Monthly Reviews has published, since July 2005, reviews on surgical topics that are relevant to the very different conditions found in low-income African countries and that are based on a search of the current literature. It features a resource library on international surgery with links to other educational resources. Monthly topics are discussed on the online discussion group, http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Surgery-in-Africa/. Readers can access full-text articles from the bibliography by registering and creating an account through the Ptolemy Project website. New reviews are solicited from experts in the field with experience in the developing world. Participants in the initiative can earn credits under the Maintenance of Certification or Continuing Professional Development programs of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. Reviewers from low-income countries receive an honorarium of Can$500 for their contributions.