eComment. Paediatric and congenital cardiac surgery in emerging economies

I read with great interest the article by Corno about establishing long-term congenital cardiac surgery services in emerging economies [1]. The article identifies impracticalities of existing programmes and suggests areas for improvement in future long-term project planning. After reading the article, I believe local institutions endorsement and medical school curriculum supplementation are as important as oversea surgical missions in the promotion of congenital cardiac surgery in the developing countries.

The change should start at the undergraduate level. Medical students should be given more exposure in paediatric cardiology and cardiac surgery in order to spark their interests at the early stage of their careers. Medical school curriculum should also include basic pathophysiology and morphology of various congenital heart diseases. This can be done by using cheap and reproducible 3D models available nowadays. The university can also invite surgeons from the visiting team to give lectures and masterclasses.

The local institutions should encourage trainees to pursue their surgical careers oversea. When they are qualified, they can return to the country with the knowledge and experience in the specialty and pass on to the future generations. Research fellowships can also be set up.

I believe undergraduate education and local institutions participation are both vital in long-term promotion of congenital cardiac surgery. Together with the help from oversea, a sustainable programme can be created.

Conflict of interest: none declared.