Surgical Mission Trips as an Educational Opportunity for Medical Students.

Although much debate remains regarding the ethical obligations of surgeons who conduct mission trips in foreign countries, it seems certain from our experience that medical students who participate on such trips have invaluable educational opportunities. From patient care to resource allocation, medical students gain first-hand experience in relatively short periods. They develop skills of patient management along with an enhanced cultural sensitivity and sense of fiscal responsibility. With appropriate guidance and teaching, medical students gain experience that can positively influence their careers and shape their development into competent physicians.