This online two-year, 30 credit specialized program is designed to prepare surgical care professionals from many disciplines to address surgical challenges and contribute to finding solutions in low resource settings globally.

Advancing Equitable Surgical Care Worldwide

The Master in Global Surgical Care at the University of British Columbia (UBC) is designed for clinicians, researchers, and health leaders committed to improving access to safe, timely, and affordable surgical care around the world. Grounded in academic excellence and real-world impact, the program equips graduates with the knowledge, skills, and global perspective needed to address surgical inequities across diverse health systems.

World-Class Faculty

Students learn from an interdisciplinary faculty of internationally recognized leaders in global surgery, public health, health systems, and policy. UBC faculty bring deep experience from clinical practice, research, and partnerships across low-, middle-, and high-income settings. Their work shapes global evidence, influences policy, and advances sustainable solutions, ensuring learners are mentored by experts at the forefront of the field.

A Global Network of Alumni

Graduates of the program join a growing, diverse alumni network spanning continents and sectors. Alumni work as surgeons, anesthesiologists, researchers, policymakers, educators, and advocates, advancing global surgical care in ministries of health, academic institutions, NGOs, and international organizations. This vibrant community offers valuable professional connections, mentorship, and lifelong collaboration opportunities.

A Truly Unique Program

This program distinguishes itself by combining global surgery, health systems strengthening, equity, and implementation science within a single, integrated curriculum. Rather than focusing solely on clinical care, the program emphasizes systems-level thinking, preparing graduates to design, plan, evaluate, and lead scalable solutions that improve surgical access and outcomes worldwide.

Online and Flexible Learning

Designed for working professionals, the program is delivered fully online with flexible scheduling. Learners can balance their studies with residency, clinical practice or professional responsibilities while engaging in meaningful collaboration with peers from around the world. This accessibility ensures global participation and fosters rich, cross-cultural exchange.

Relevant and Practical Courses

• Core courses examining the global burden of surgical disease and the role of surgery within public health systems
• Exploration of surgical care delivery across diverse settings, including low- and middle-income countries, humanitarian contexts, and Canada’s rural, remote, and Indigenous communities
• Emphasis on ethics, equity, and social accountability in global surgical care and research
• Training in clinical research methods and monitoring and evaluation specific to surgical systems
• Applied learning through case studies, program planning, and quality improvement frameworks
• Directed study and global surgical care field practicum, enabling hands-on project development in real-world settings

The Reputation of UBC

As one of Canada’s leading research-intensive universities, UBC is globally recognized for academic excellence, innovation, and impact. A UBC credential signals rigorous training, credibility, and leadership, enhancing graduates’ ability to influence practice and policy at local, national, and global levels.

Academic Progress Requirement

For students who begin the MGSC in September 2023 or later, all SURG courses in the MGSC are graded on a pass/fail basis with 74% being required to pass. Students will not receive a grade or percentage on their transcript, but will receive a notation of Pass or Fail.