PhD defence
Global Neurosurgery
- F. Robertson
- Date
- Friday 14 March 2025
- Time
- Location
-
Academy Building
Rapenburg 73
2311 GJ Leiden
Supervisor(s)
- Prof.mr.dr. M.L.D. Broekman
- Prof.dr. W.C. Peul
Summary
Global neurosurgery as a field is defined as the clinical and public health practice of neurosurgery with the primary purpose of ensuring timely, safe, and affordable neurosurgical care. Each year, approximately 5 million essential neurosurgical cases go untreated, and over 23,000 more neurosurgeons are needed in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) to address this treatment gap. This thesis explores the multifaceted challenges impeding neurosurgical care LMICs and seeks to identify opportunities for improvement. The data illustrate a need for initiatives focused on workforce development, training programs, policy formulation, and research aimed at building local capacity, improving education, establishing comprehensive health policies, and fostering research collaborations to ensure sustainable development in neurosurgical services.
When studying the strategies to bridge the workforce gap, this thesis specifically examines the evolving landscape of task-shifting and task-sharing in neurosurgery. We delve into global perspectives, practices in LMICs, and specific case studies, such as emergency neurosurgery in the Philippines. We also explore the implications of task-shifting and task-sharing during the COVID-19 pandemic, where neurosurgeons were redeployed to provide care outside of their typical scope of training, emphasizing the need for resilient healthcare systems that can adapt to crises and continue to provide essential surgical services. Finally, we emphasize the significance of technology, innovative training approaches, policy development and implementation, and gender equity in advancing neurosurgery care globally.
PhD dissertations
Approximately one week after the defence, PhD dissertations by Leiden PhD students are available digitally through the Leiden Repository, that offers free access to these PhD dissertations. Please note that in some cases a dissertation may be under embargo temporarily and access to its full-text version will only be granted later.
Press enquiries (journalists only)
General information
Beadle's Office
pedel@bb.leidenuniv.nl
+31 71 527 7211