• Nicole C P Thompson, Zachary Weinerman, and Jasmine Solola.
• Department of Anesthesiology, Division of Global Health, Division of Pediatric Anesthesiology, University of Illinois Hospital & Health Sciences System.
• Curr Opin Anaesthesiol. 2021 Apr 1; 34 (2): 137-140.

Purpose Of ReviewHealth inequities continue to exist globally especially when it comes to surgical and anesthesia services. Due to the lack of physician anesthesiologists in low- and middle-income countries, there has been an increase in the number of medical mission trips. Although these volunteers are attempting to fulfill a need they must be mindful and remember to adhere to ethical principles as they work collaboratively with host institutions. We will review the ethical dilemmas inherent in anesthesia mission trips.Recent FindingsPhysician volunteers for medical missions may cause significant harm to patients and host communities if they do not work in tandem with host institutions.SummaryMedical missions fulfill acute medical needs and have the opportunity to make a positive contribution to host communities by fulfilling local needs and supporting educational efforts for local providers.Copyright © 2021 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.

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