By Genevieve D’Souza, MD, FASA
The World Health Organization defines health as “a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity”. The CSA Committee on Global Health works to celebrate the volunteerism, philanthropy, and global health impact of CSA members, both locally and internationally.
Where did you grow up?
I grew up in Mumbai, India.
Do you think your upbringing influenced your involvement in Global Health? If so, how?
Frankly, no. I was the first doctor in my family. However, my parents taught me tenacity and perseverance by example.
How do you define Global Health?
Not sure if it can be defined in a sentence! Global health, as I see it, is an entity where we all share and care. We share what we know liberally with others, learn from each other to elevate the entire fraternity, and boost patient care in general. Although disparities exist, equilibrium in principles of care and safety are essential. Bridging the incongruity in resources is something that should be considered under the umbrella of global health.
What was your first Global Health experience?
My first Global Health experience was attending an international meeting in Singapore in 2006. I absorbed everything about the event and was fascinated by pediatric anesthesia and its vagaries across different work cultures.
What are recent examples of your Global Health engagement?
I have been involved in several Global Health activities, including:
1. The Asian Society of Pediatric Anesthesia Education Lead (ASPA): We conduct an international webinar series, “ASPA flex”. While serving ASPA as the education lead, I got to learn a lot. From scheduling topics in accordance with the demands of the current time to understanding and interacting with speakers across the globe, it was an enriching experience. The audience feedback and evaluations made this a truly evolving experience. ASPA flex is meant for all healthcare personnel involved in taking care of children.
2. AOSRA-AORA 2022 and ASPA 2017: As an organizing chair of the Asia Oceanic Regional Anesthesia Society and Indian Regional Anesthesia Conference (Academy of Regional Anesthesia, India) held in 2022 and ASPA 2017, I gained insight into building up topics from the basics to the most cutting-edge. Furthermore, all those practicing in resource-abundant and resource-limited setups had something to take home. While organizing this event, I truly got the gist of what it is to have a global perspective.
3. Hands-on workshops across the globe: The workshops I participate in, attend, and conduct always aid in keeping abreast of the latest thoughts and techniques. I am currently in Boston Children’s Hospital for a workshop. Another example of interacting is the various countries I have participated in, such as Turkey, USA, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Thailand, the Philippines, Malaysia, Singapore, Hong Kong, and various others, which have imparted a rich experience to me. Understanding the work culture in all these places is interesting, and it is fascinating to observe the differences as well as the similarities in the field of regional anesthesia and pediatric anesthesia.
What Global Health initiative or project are you most proud of accomplishing?
I am proud of the following Global Health initiatives or projects:
1. ASPA Flex, a webinar series for pediatric healthcare professionals. This is of special importance because it is meant for all healthcare personnel involved in pediatric care.
2. Being a lead for the WFSA+ CAS + ISA pediatric regional anesthesia fellowships. This has given me, along with my team, the pleasure of fostering the growth of international fellows, mainly from the Philippines, Myanmar, and Nigeria. It is heart-warming to see them grow and take the pearls they have learned back to their country. Their feedback and endeavours to establish similar regional anesthesia protocols and procedures are a pleasure to note. They leave an imprint on us as well.
3. Being on the International Pediatric Anesthesia Committee of WFSA, helping in the formation of curricula, and editing a book of pediatric anesthesia cases is something I look forward to.
3. Organizing AOSRA AORA 2022 was an experience in itself. Attended by the likes of the ASRA, ESRA, AOSRA, and AORA presidents in Mumbai, it made it truly a global event for the global RA fraternity.
4. The translation of my book, “The Illustrated Manual of Ultrasound Guided Regional Anesthesia for Adults and Children,” into Japanese was a glimpse of international collaboration.
How can global health evolve over an anesthesiologist’s career from residency to retirement?
By being a student, open-minded, and curious every day! To learn, teach, research, and innovate – these are continuous and simultaneous processes. Furthermore, striving to present it to the global community in print and speech, by participating in national and international educational activities, making true friends rather than mere “networking,” and keeping in touch to share ideas, work, and have strong bonds of friendship. I don’t think retirement ever exists; we can always contribute in some form or another.
What has been your most challenging or surprising lesson learned in global health?
That on most occasions, our working principles are the same. Execution may be different! Nothing needs to be idolized as such, cultural and local differences should be accepted. As long as the kids receive safe anesthesia with holistic perioperative care, a pain-free perioperative period. And yes, there are more professionals waiting to extend a hand of friendship than otherwise!
What would you like to share with others regarding the value of global health engagement?
Global health engagements are important because these endeavours essentially get us closer. This can aid in bridging disparities. We share our experiences leading to changes in practice, which percolate into improved patient care.
Teaching at a Course in Istanbul, Turkey
Picture from Sunday May 7, 2023 teaching at the Principles of Pediatric Anesthesia and Critical Care Conference, Harvard Medical School