The Impact of Surgical Outreach on Trainee Education: American Society for Surgery of the Hand Touching Hands

PURPOSE: The American Society for Surgery of the Hand Touching Hands Project was created to provide essential hand care to underserved populations in low- and middle-income countries. This study aimed to characterize the educational benefits of participation among United States (US) hand surgery trainees. METHODS: A web-based survey was distributed to all US trainees who participated in the Touching Hands trip to San Pedro Sula, Honduras between 2015 and 2024. Questions assessed the impact and educational value of the trip as well as barriers to participation in future outreach trips. RESULTS: The response rate was 88% (29 out of 33). Most respondents were hand surgery fellows (25 out of 29, 86%). The average faculty to trainee ratio was 5:4. Trainees indicated they received an educational value of 5 out of 5. All respondents reported learning novel approaches to medical problems and techniques that they otherwise would not have been exposed to during their training. These included surgical techniques and concepts as well as problem-solving with limited resources. All participants reported interest in attending a similar outreach trip; however, many noted potential barriers including expense and time away from family and work. CONCLUSIONS: Participation in international surgical outreach such as the American Society for Surgery of the Hand Touching Hands initiative introduces trainees to new and unique approaches to surgical techniques and pathology that they would otherwise not have exposure to in their training. Trainees reported that time and expense are potential barriers to future outreach involvement. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: These findings demonstrate that involvement in surgical outreach during training benefits the education of US trainees through diversity of experience and exposure to different faculty mentors.