Across many medical institutions, opportunities for hands-on surgical training remain limited, particularly in the early years of medical education. While students develop strong theoretical foundations, the lack of structured exposure to procedural skills often delays confidence and competence in clinical practice, particularly in resource-constrained settings and Low- and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs) like Pakistan, where simulation-based training is not routinely accessible.
The Suturing Mission, an initiative by Mission:BRAIN, was initiated to address this gap through a scalable, student-led model focused on accessibility, mentorship, and continuity. As the initiative continues to expand globally, its emphasis on peer-to-peer learning and practical skill development has enabled hundreds of medical students to gain early exposure to surgical techniques.
One of its largest and most comprehensive implementations took place at Aga Khan University in collaboration with the Neurosurgery Interest Group (NSIG) and UpSurgeon. Held over two days on the 26th and 27th of August 2023, the workshop brought together nearly 200 medical students from across Pakistan at the ASLS Lab in Aga Khan University Hospital.
The structure of the workshop distinguished it from conventional training sessions. Participants were introduced to both fundamental suturing techniques and micro-suturing skills, allowing for exposure across different levels of surgical precision. Under guided supervision, students practiced instrument handling, knot tying, and tissue approximation, while also engaging with the finer techniques required in microsurgical settings.
A key strength of the event was its collaborative and multi-tiered learning environment. Students from different institutions and academic years worked together, supported by trained facilitators, creating a space where learning extended beyond instruction to active peer engagement. The inclusion of micro-suturing further elevated the experience, offering participants a rare opportunity to explore advanced surgical skills typically not introduced at the undergraduate level.
The impact of the workshop was reflected not only in the technical skills acquired, but also in the shift in student confidence. For many participants, the experience transformed surgery from a distant, high-skill specialty into a tangible and approachable field; one they could begin engaging with early in their training.
As the Suturing Mission continues to grow, initiatives like the Aga Khan University workshop demonstrate the potential of collaborative, student-driven models to reshape surgical education. Mission:BRAIN Pakistan held similar events in Ziauddin University and United Medical and Dental College. By integrating accessibility with advanced skill exposure, the program continues to bridge the gap between theory and practice, empowering the next generation of medical professionals across diverse settings.
