{"id":"dfa5bc2a-efa6-41f1-a70c-bb8da7dfd536","slug":"neurosurgery-training-in-war-torn-countries-a-perspective-from-iraq-and-syria","title":"Neurosurgery training in war-torn countries: A perspective from Iraq and Syria","authors":["Samer S. Hoz","Wardan A. Tamer","Osama M. Al-Awadi","Zahraa F. Al-Sharshahi","Ali A. Dolachee"],"abstract":"Background: Neurosurgery training in Iraq and Syria is currently structured around two separate training programs: the Arab board of neurological surgery and the National board. Both programs have a duration of 5–6 years, with Iraq having 26 neurosurgery centers and Syria having 19 accredited centers. Summary: The neurosurgeon-to-population ratios in Iraq and Syria are significantly lower than the global average, with Iraq at 0.6/100,000 and Syria at 0.2/100,000. This shortage is exacerbated by the exodus of trained doctors due to security threats and poor economic conditions, further straining the healthcare systems in these war-torn countries. Conclusion: While both Iraq and Syria have established semi-structured neurosurgery training programs, significant efforts are needed to enhance the physical infrastructure and workforce in order to improve neurosurgical training and care in these regions. Keywords: neurosurgery, training, Iraq, Syria, healthcare, workforce, trauma, capacity building","thumbnailUrl":"https://sni-digital-videos.s3.amazonaws.com/placeholders/specialty/general-neurosurgery.png","publishDate":"2020-12-11T00:00:00.000Z","doi":"10.25259/SNI_513_2020","categories":["General Neurosurgery","Letter to the Editor"],"fullTextUrl":"https://surgicalneurologyint.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/10446/SNI-11-430.pdf"}