{"id":"4c62a430-a1f4-4f02-9bb0-bf11f878c7e9","slug":"societal-challenges-facing-neurosurgeons-in-low-and-middle-income-countries-iraq-as-an-example","title":"Societal challenges facing neurosurgeons in low- and middle-income countries: Iraq as an example","authors":["Mustafa Ismail","Fatimah Ayad","Teeba A. Al-Ageely","Osman Elamin","Hayder R. Salih","Zaid Aljuboori","Samer S. Hoz"],"abstract":"Background: Neurosurgery is a delicate specialty that requires excellence in patient care and is associated with significant complications. In low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), including Iraq, neurosurgeons face unique societal challenges, including violence and threats from patients and their families. The socio-political instability and inadequate medical resources exacerbate these issues, leading to a depletion of healthcare resources and an emigration of medical professionals. Summary: This letter discusses the specific challenges faced by vascular neurosurgeons in Iraq, highlighting the impact of tribalism and the demand for financial compensation from surgeons in cases of complications. The constant exposure to violence and threats from patients' relatives creates a hostile working environment, further complicating the provision of care. The letter calls for increased attention to these issues from both local and international communities. Conclusion: The significant increase in violence against healthcare workers in LMICs, particularly in high-risk specialties like vascular neurosurgery, necessitates urgent attention. Addressing these societal challenges is critical to improving the working conditions for neurosurgeons and ensuring the sustainability of healthcare services in Iraq. Keywords: neurosurgery, Iraq, violence, tribalism, healthcare challenges, LMICs, emigration, patient safety","thumbnailUrl":"https://sni-digital-videos.s3.amazonaws.com/placeholders/specialty/socio-economics-politics-and-medicine.png","publishDate":"2023-07-21T00:00:00.000Z","doi":"10.25259/SNI_1001_2022","categories":["Socio-Economics, Politics, and Medicine","Letter to the Editor"],"fullTextUrl":"https://surgicalneurologyint.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/12452/SNI-14-253.pdf"}