HS-45 The Impact of Medical Missions on Surgical Attendings and Burmout Mitigation: A Single Institution Study

Introduction: The demand for accessible, safe and affordable surgical care is increasing worldwide. However, medical missions face criticism for quality concerns and voluntourism. Meanwhile, physician burnout is rising, yet little research explores whether missions can both serve patients and reinvigorate physicians. This study examines surgical attending physicians’ perspectives on the lasting impact of medical mission participation, with a focus on its role in mitigating burnout. Method: A 15-item online questionnaire was designed to assess physicians' perspectives on humanitarian missions. The survey elicited information regarding physician demographics, trip details, funding, and the influence of the trip on them and the community. This questionnaire was distributed to the surgical attendings at Prisma Health Upstate hospitals in the United States during the 2023/2024 academic year. Results: Of 42 respondents, 71% had participated in an international mission, while 29% had not. Among participants, 30% agreed that this experience influenced their decision to pursue surgery, while 44% decided beforehand. Most respondents reported trips lasting 7 to 10 days (41%), while 30% took trips exceeding 11 days. When asked about the impact of surgical missions on physician reinvigoration, the response was overwhelmingly positive with 79% agreeing or strongly agreeing that medical missions reinvigorated them as surgeons. Conclusion: Surgical attendings perceive medical missions as reinvigorating. These trips provide mutual benefits to the physicians and the communities they serve. Further research is needed to explore the long-term effects of these experiences and how structured mission programs can be optimized to support both global health initiatives and physician well-being