Overview

"Transdisciplinary Solutions for Stronger Surgical Systems" describes Global Surgery 360: From Policy to Implementation; Local Action to a Transdisciplinary Global Movement

At IGSS 2025, we recognize that global surgery extends far beyond the operating room. It is a multifaceted, transdisciplinary effort that requires collaboration between clinicians, policymakers, researchers, educators, and advocates. Our theme, "Policy in Action, Transdisciplinary Solutions", underscores the importance of turning global surgery policies into tangible, real-world impacts through collaborative, cross-disciplinary approaches.

Key Focus Areas of the Theme:

✅ From Policy to Implementation – Policies alone do not drive change; their implementation requires strategic partnerships, funding, and leadership. This conference will highlight the translation of surgical policies into scalable, sustainable solutions.

✅ Local Action with Global Impact – Global surgery is inherently local. While high-level policies set the stage, frontline providers, community leaders, and researchers shape real-world outcomes. We will explore how grassroots innovations and local initiatives influence the broader global surgery movement.

✅ A Transdisciplinary Global Movement – Surgical systems are not just about the surgeon and patient. They rely on energy access, supply chains, digital health innovations, and rehabilitation services. To address surgical inequities, we need expertise from:

• • • Energy & Infrastructure – Ensuring stable electricity, clean water, and medical waste management for surgical facilities.

    • Transportation & Logistics – Strengthening ambulance networks, emergency response, and supply chain management for surgical equipment and blood products.

    • Digital Health & AI – Expanding telemedicine, electronic medical records, and AI-driven diagnostics to improve surgical care delivery.

    • Rehabilitation & Occupational Therapy – Ensuring that surgical patients receive comprehensive post-operative care for functional recovery.

    • Nursing, Anesthesia & Allied Health – Addressing workforce shortages, task-sharing, and surgical training for essential healthcare professionals.

    • Radiology & Imaging – Advancing access to diagnostics like ultrasound, X-ray, and CT scans, which are critical for surgical decision-making.

    • Biomedical Engineering & Medical Technology – Innovating low-cost surgical tools, prosthetics, and assistive devices for low-resource settings.

    • Public Health & Epidemiology – Strengthening data-driven decision-making and surgical outcome tracking to guide future policies.

    • Health Economics & Financing – Advocating for surgical system funding, insurance coverage, and cost-effective interventions to make care accessible.

Why This Theme Matters

• 1. 1. Bridging Policy and Practice – Ensuring that surgical care is not just a discussion but a lived reality for underserved populations.

     2. Strengthening Health Systems – Addressing workforce shortages, infrastructure gaps, and supply chain challenges.

     3. Advancing Equity in Global Surgery – Prioritizing solutions that improve access for low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) and marginalized communities.

This theme challenges us to think beyond traditional clinical approaches and engage in multisectoral collaborations to drive real, lasting change in surgical care worldwide.