Lecture Series
To complement hands‑on training, COSECSA hosts a regular virtual lecture series covering topics that are often underrepresented in local training sites—such as cardiothoracic, vascular, oncology, and transplant surgery. These 90-minute synchronous lectures are delivered by expert faculty (regional and international), include interactive case discussions, and are recorded for future access. In recent years, over 2,000 trainees from across the region have attended and rated the series highly for content, logistics, and utility. The lecture series is a cornerstone of COSECSA’s blended learning strategy, helping fill knowledge gaps and support examination preparation.
Purpose
The Lecture Series is a scheduled, virtual, set of didactic lectures delivered by faculty (local and international) to COSECSA trainees, medical students and the medical fraternity at large, covering specialized or underrepresented surgical topics (e.g. cardiothoracic, vascular, transplantation). The aim is to supplement what trainees cannot access locally and fill knowledge gaps.
Recent Example & Evidence
A synchronous virtual surgical lecture series (on cardiothoracic, vascular, oncology, transplant surgery) was co-developed by COSECSA and the Center for Equity in Global Surgery (UGHE).
Over two years (2022 & 2023), the series reached 2,015 participants from 48 countries.
Participants rated satisfaction highly (mean ~4.5/5), across logistics, content, interaction, and utility.
Trainees recommended including more lectures in thoracic infection, vascular trauma, and plastic surgery topics in future editions.
The lecture series is feasible, accessible, and fills critical gaps in the region’s surgical training.
Format & Content
• Delivered synchronously via video conferencing, with interactive features (Q&A, case discussions)
• Lectures recorded and made available for retrospective viewing
• Topics chosen based on gaps in trainee exposure, examination themes, and participant requests
• The series is typically 90 minutes per session, weekly, scheduled to suit time zones
• Faculty include regional experts and international collaborators, ensuring contextual relevance and global perspectives
Outcomes & Impact
• High demand and attendance (broad regional reach)
• Positive participant feedback (content, logistics, interactivity)
• Trainees report enhanced preparation for exams and gaps filled in specialized knowledge
• The series helps compensate for limited availability of certain specialty rotations (e.g. cardiothoracic, vascular) at many accredited sites