Specialization in acute care surgery in low-income and middle-income countries

Abstract

Traumatic injuries represent the highest portion of surgical conditions worldwide, and the groups most vulnerable to these injuries are disproportionately in low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs). It is in this context that we recognize and propose an urgent opportunity for developing and strengthening the field of acute care surgery (ACS) in LMICs. In this article, we will briefly review the history and advantages of ACS as a specialty and recognize the unique opportunity and benefit it may have in LMICs.