Global orthopedic collaboration takes center stage as the discussion traces Theodore Miclau’s evolution from early international experiences to building sustainable, trust-based networks that strengthen trauma care in low- and middle-income countries. Miclau describes shifting from short-term “medical tourism” toward long-term partnerships grounded in education, research capacity, and leadership development. He highlights the power of regional societies, particularly in Latin America, to identify local gaps, generate context-appropriate solutions, and elevate underrepresented voices in global research. The conversation emphasizes that equitable impact requires humility, inclusion, and structural support from major funding agencies to ensure that countries bearing the highest trauma burden help shape the research agenda.