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Description of  Global Neurosurgery: A Reflection from a Life in the Field

During his training, neurosurgeon Robert J. Dempsey, M.D. was told that global health was something for infectious diseases and not possible in super-specialties. This is the story of questioning that belief, of addressing a massive need by working in the areas of need, going to numerous ministers of health worldwide and showing them that with the training of even a few neurosurgeons, we can complete a trauma system in their country. The result is now we can also provide care for cancer, stroke and congenital defects of newborn children where it was previously impossible. In 2015, the Lancet Commissions report predicted, over the next few years, 47 million unnecessary deaths worldwide due to the lack of essential surgeries. This book relates the importance of rectifying that ongoing tragedy and, more importantly, the humanizing influences that such a journey has had on a super-specialist working with the people of greatest need. It concludes that in spite of massive need, the present situation is actually very hopeful, as we have shifted the focus of global health from service alone to partnered teaching, leading us now to self-sustaining systems of care delivered for and by the people in the regions of need. Read more