Taking time out of training: a Malawi experience.

There has been increased focus on global surgery in low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs) since the Lancet commission on global surgery was published in 2015. Interest from surgical trainees in overseas placements during their training is high with a number of motivating factors to engage in overseas work. In this article, we outline the overseas experience of a UK-based orthopaedic trainee during their time out of training in Malawi from both the trainee and training program director perspectives. Overseas LMIC placements during orthopaedic training are encouragingly becoming more established and are supported by a growing body of literature showing widespread benefits to the individual volunteer, donor and host institutions.