Meet Our Fellows
Every year young aspiring neurosurgeons are supported by FIENS fellowships and scholarships in the pursuit of building neurosurgical capacity in their home countries. Upon completion of their programs, they complete reports about their experiences and share their plans for the future. Click on their profiles to learn more about some of their experiences and stories!
Adefisayo Ayoade Adekanmbi
Bassett FELLOW
2019
🇳🇬 Nigeria
Adefisayo Ayoade Adekanmbi
2019 Bassett Fellow
Home Country: Nigeria
Fellowship Hospital: University of Wisconsin
Training Program: University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria
Fellowship Hosts: Dr. Robert Dempsey, Dr. Mustafa Baskaya
Dr. Adefisayo Adekanmbi completed his fellowship at the University of Wisconsin under the guidance of trainers Dr. Robert Dempey and Dr. Mustafa Baskaya. Dr. Adekanmbi’s fellowship allowed him to participate in an advanced microvascular bypass training curriculum. Activities of the curriculum included gaining exposure to the execution and performance of several convexity and skull base neurosurgical approaches; participation in observership opportunities in the operation room for complex neurosurgical procedures, and the opportunity to lead and contribute to neurosurgery-related research activities. Dr. Adekanmbi will bring this new knowledge and experience back to his home country of Nigeria.
We had the opportunity to hear from Dr. Adefisayo Adekanmbi. Here are some highlights from what he shared:
The training provided during my fellowship will enable me to be able to safely operate on complex cranial neurosurgery cases. I will be able to apply some of the technical nuances and approaches in my operations and will also be able to share the knowledge with colleagues and other junior neurosurgeons.
In closing Dr. Adekanmbi wished to acknowledge and thank those that supported his FIENS- Basset Fellowship journey.
I would like to thank my mentors, Professor R Dempsey and Professor M. K Baskaya for giving me this golden opportunity.
Kashif Ahmed
Bassett FELLOW
2021
🇵🇰 Pakistan
Kashif Ahmed
2021 Bassett Fellow
Home Country: Pakistan
Fellowship Host: Theodore Schwartz
Hospital: Weill Cornell New York Presbyterian Hospital
Fellowship Overview: Dr. Ahmed completed the Bassett Fellowship in 2022 at Weill Cornell New York Presbyterian Hospital under the guidance of trainer, Professor Theodore H. Schwartz. The activities of his fellowship included attending weekly multidisciplinary meetings on pituitary, endocrine, epilepsy and comprehensive brain and spine meetings. He also attended a conference on the transorbital approach to intracranial lesions. He was able to observe a broad range of surgeries: nonfunctional pituitary adenomas; functional adenomas; skull base meningiomas; epilepsy procedures; endonasal surgery for craniopharyngioma;
Rathke cleft cyst drainage; transorbital surgery and transcranial approaches as well. During his fellowship he was also able to work on his research paper on pituitary apoplexy.
When asked how the training support will contribute to his home country he shared:
I believe this fellowship will be going to shape my carrier as next generation skull base surgeon in my country. The fellowship has allowed me to continue my career in academic nbeurosurgery and in will help me to start a somewhat similar kind of program in the public sector hospital in my country. I am confident that I will be able to offer these minimally invasive treatment options to patients in the future.
In closing Dr. Ahmed wished to acknowledge and thank those that supported his FIENS - Bassett Fellowship journey.
Thank you to all the FIENS donors, Linda Van Brocklin, Dr. Azam Ahmed, Dr. Sandberg, Dr. Robert Dempsey, Dr. Ted Schwartz and my supervisor, Professor Lal Rehman for all the support.
Yunus Kuntawi Aji
Bassett FELLOW
2023
🇮🇩 Indonesia
Yunus Kuntawi Aji
2023 Bassett Fellow
Home Country: Indonesia
Fellowship Hosts: Professor Yukoh Ohara, Dr. Takeshi Hara, Dr. Eiji Abe, Dr. Daichi Kawamura, Dr. Takeshi Umebayashi, Dr. Naoko Kikuchi, Dr. Kiyoshi Ito, Dr. Hisashi Koga, Dr. Kento Takebayashi, Dr. Mutsuhiro Tamura, Dr. Yota Toshi, Professor Hidetoshi Nojiri
Fellowship Training Hospital: Jutendo University Hospital
Yunus Kuntawi Aji completed his fellowship in February 2024. Dr. Yunus Kuntawi Aji is a neurosurgeon at the Indonesia National Brain Center Hospital.
Fellowship Overview
At Jutendo University Hospital in Tokyo, Japan, under the guidance of neurosurgeons, Professor Yukoh Ohara, Dr. Takeshi Hara, Dr. Eiji Abe, Dr. Daichi Kawamura, Dr. Takeshi Umebayashi, Dr. Naoko Kikuchi, Dr. Kiyoshi Ito, Dr. Hisashi Koga, Dr. Kento Takebayashi, Dr. Mutsuhiro Tamura, Dr. Yota Toshi, Professor Hidetoshi Nojiri, Dr. Kuntawi Aji was able to attend weekly spine case discussion between neurosurgery and orthopaedic spine teams; attend OR activities and attend rotation daily to several hospitals. The hospitals were Juntendo University Hospital, Aizawa Hospital, Iwai Orthopaedic Hospital, Heiwa Hospital, and Tokyo Spine Clinic. He also had the opportunity to attend a Japanese neurospine conference. The learning objectives of this fellowship were to increase his knowledge of endoscopic spine surgery and minimally invasive spine surgery, specifically full endoscopic spine surgery.
We had the opportunity to hear from Dr. Yunis Kuntawi Aji. Here are some highlights from what he shared:
“I work in the largest neurosurgical referral institution in Indonesia, including the spine. This fellowship surely enhanced my knowledge and skills regarding endoscopy spine surgery and minimally invasive spine surgery, not only from neurosurgery perspective, but also orthopaedic spine perspective as well. This fellowship is important for me to learn new skills and techniques that in turn will be beneficial for my patients in Indonesia.”
In closing Yunus Kuntawi Aji wished to thank all the board members of FIENS for the opportunity.
Dumura General Alfin
Bassett FELLOW
2024
🇳🇬 Nigeria
Dumura General Alfin
2024 Bassett Fellow
Fellowship Host: Dr. Michael T. Lawton
Fellowship Hospital: Barrow Neurological Institute
Status: Current Bassett Fellow
Abdisamed Abdi Ali
Clack Scholar
2022
Somaliland
Abdisamed Abdi Ali
2022 Clack Scholar
Home Country: Somaliland
Training Hospital: Black Lion Hospital Addis Ababa University
Program Director: Dr. Nebyou Seyoum
Status: Current Clack Fellow
Amer Alomari
Bassett FELLOW
2022
🇯🇴 Jordan
Amer Alomari
2022 Bassett Fellowship
Home Country: Jordan
Fellowship Training Hospital: San Filippo Neri Hospital
Fellowship Host: Professor Luciano Mastronardi
Fellowship Overview:
Dr. Amer Alomari completed completed his residency at Jordan University of Science and Technology in King Abdullah University Hospital. His FIENS Bassett Fellowship took place at San Filippo Neri Hospital under the guidance Professor Luciano Mastronardi. Dr. Alomari’s learning objectives for this fellowship were to increase his knowledge of the skull base subspeciality in order to bring that back to his home country where there is limited knowledge of that specialty.
We had the opportunity to hear from Dr. Alomari. Here are some highlights from what he shared: In this fellowship, I had great exposure to the skull base surgeries especially vestibular schwannoma, micro vascular decompression and craniopharyngioma. Every week Prof. Mastronardi performed 4 surgeries of the above mentioned and less frequently different surgeries of the skull base like foramen magnum meningioma's.Professor Mastronardi was really very supportive and taught me the details in a very gentle manner; he has helped me build my self confidence for my future career. Another thing that I learned during my fellowship was computer assisted brain surgeries with Dr. Shirkat. He developed a software on the computer that helps in planning for the surgeries based on the MRI images for the patient, like a digital simulation and planning.
When asked what his future plans were regarding a new neurosurgical site and creating infrastructure in Jordan Dr. Alomari responded: I believe that I can make a great improvement in my home country for the future as I am planning to focus my career on the skull base subspeciality of neurosurgery.
In closing Dr. Alomari wished to acknowledge and thank those that supported his FIENS Basset Fellowship journey.
Hugues Ghislain Atakla
Clack Scholar
2024
🇧🇯 Benin
Hugues Ghislain Atakla
2024 Clack Scholar
Program Director: Momar Code BA
Training Hospital: Cheikh Anto Diop University, Hospital Center University De Fann in Dakar, Senegal
Status: Current Clack Fellow
Louncény Fatoumata Barry
Clack Scholar
2023
🇬🇳 Guinea
Louncény Fatoumata Barry
2023 Clack Scholar
Home Country: Guinea
Training Hospital: Cheikh Anta Diop University of Dakar (Senegal)
Program Director: Professor Momar Code BA
Status: Current Clack Fellow
Soumia Benallag
Bassett FELLOW
2022
🇩🇿 Algeria
Soumia Benallag
2022 Bassett Fellow
Home Country: Algeria
Sponsored by: Michael Lawton
Fellowship Training Hospital: Barrow Neurological Institute
Fellowship Overview: Current Bassett Fellow
Kevin Ivan Chan
BASSETT FELLOW
2023
🇵🇭 Philippines
Kevin Ivan Chan
2023 Bassett Fellow
Home Country: Philippines
Fellowship Hosts: Dr. Juan Carlos Fernandez – Miranda
Fellowship Training Hospital: Stanford University School of Medicine
Last year, Dr. Chan was able to travel to Stanford University School of Medicine where he pursued skull base neurosurgery under Dr. Juan Carlos Fernandez – Miranda. His research interests for the fellowship include endoscopic neurosurgery, skull base, pituitary and neurosurgical education.
We had the opportunity to ask Dr. Chan how he felt the fellowship has contributed to his neurosurgical education. Here is what he shared:
“Indeed, I have seen further by standing on the shoulders of giants. Dr. Fernandez – Miranda is such a giant in the field of skull base neurosurgery. He was an exceptional mentor. Through observing his surgical techniques in the operating room, I gained invaluable insights into this specialized discipline. I was able to witness how he approached complex skull base lesions. To further refine and enhance these techniques, I had the privilege of conducting research in our NeuroTraIn laboratory which boasts state-of-the-art equipment akin to that found in our operating room. Utilizing cadaveric models, I applied the principles I learned from Dr. Fernandez – Miranda. This immersive experience allowed me to delve deeper in honing my surgical skills and expanding my anatomical knowledge. This fellowship and mentorship have undoubtedly shaped my character as a neurosurgeon fostering a commitment to excellence, mastery of anatomy and pursuit of innovation.”
Heba Medhat Maghraby
Bassett FELLOW
2023
🇪🇬 Egypt
Heba Medhat Maghraby
2023 Bassett Fellow
Sponsored by: Dr. Amgad Hanna
Hospital: University of Wisconsin-Madison, School of Medicine and Public Health
Status: Current Bassett Fellow
Winnie Costa Mapuor
Clack Scholar
2023
🇧🇼 Botswana
Winnie Costa Mapuor
2023 Clack Scholar
Program Director: Professeur Momar Dr. Nebyou Seyoum
Hospital Location: Addis Ababa University, College of Health Sciences
Status: Current Clack Scholar
Joel Fernando Sanabria Duarte
BASSETT FELLOW
2023
🇵🇾 Paraguay
Joel Fernando Sanabria Duarte
2023 Bassett Fellow
Home Country: Paraguay
Fellowship Hosts: Dr. Suneil Kalia, Dr. Andres Lozano and Dr. Taufik Valiante
Fellowship Training Hospital: Toronto Western Hospital
Dr. Joel Fernando Sanabria Duarte completed his fellowship in June 2023. Dr. Sanabria Duarte is a functional neurosurgery fellow from Paraguay who aspired for many years to have the opportunity to visit and observe Dr. Suneil Kalia. His admiration for Dr. Kalia stemmed from his world renowned service specialty in Parkinson’s Disease.
Fellowship Overview
At Toronto Western Hospital, under the guidance of neurosurgeons, Dr. Suneil Kalia, Dr. Andres Lozano and Dr. Taufik Valiante, Dr. Sanabria Duarte was able to attend procedures that are only performed in a few places worldwide, such as focused ultrasound (FUS), interstitial laser therapy (LITT) and stereoelectroencephalography (SEEG) with robot guidance, in addition to a substantial number of Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) for Parkinson Disease and others movement disorders. He shared that one of the most valuable learning experiences was observing intraoperative monitoring with microrecordings of awake patients during the DBS implantation.
He was impressed by the significance of a multidisciplinary team composed of neurophysiologists, neurologists, biomedical professionals, and engineers working collaboratively to assist patients. He was also able to attend research meetings where ongoing research projects were discussed, including stem cell implantation for Parkinson’s disease treatment, DBS for dementia, DBS for addiction, liquid biopsy with FUS, and electrical stimulation in glioma cells in vitro.
Dr. Sanabria Duarte shared his goals for neurosurgical infrastructure in Paraguay:
He explained that as one of only a few Paraguayan neurosurgeons trained in functional neurosurgery, he is working on creating a project with colleague, Oscar Servin to treat patients with movement disorders (the epilepsy project is already underway, with over 20 patients operated on in recent years). He shared that it is a long and challenging journey, but it wouldn’t be possible without the training and assistance provided by FIENS.
Sharing Gratitude
Dr. Sanbria Duarte would like to thank his family, his girlfriend, and his home hospital, Instituto de Neurologia Curitiba – Neurological Institute of Curitiba, for their support during his neurosurgical training.
We look forward to sharing updates on Dr. Sanabria Duarte’s progress in Paraguay.
Ignatius Esene
BASSETT FELLOW
2017
🇨🇲 Cameroon
Ignatius Esene
2017 Bassett Fellow
Home Country: Cameroon
Fellowship Hosts: Dr. Robert Dempsey and Dr. Mustafa Baskaya
Fellowship Training Hospital: University of Wisconsin-Madison, Department of Neurosurgery
Fellowship Overview: Dr. Esene complete the Bassett Fellowship in 2018 at the University of Wisconsin-Madison under the guidance of trainers, Dr. Robert Dempsey and Dr. Mustafa Baskaya. Dr. Esene shared some of the activities of his fellowship included participating in neurovascular and neuroanatomy research, observing the outpatient clinic and theatre, attending meetings and conferences in bench research in Dr Dempsey’s neuroscience laboratory and participating in training activities in the microsurgery, endoscopy and neuroanatomy laboratory.
When asked what his future plans were in building infrastructure in Cameroon, Dr. Esene responded:
The fellowship has helped me in establishing the first neurosurgical care unit in the Northern part of Cameroon. It has also helped me to be able to build research capacity in Africa and globally amongst young neurosurgeons. I strongly advocate for research equity between HICs and LMICs. I have been able to organize - in collaboration with Upsurgeon - the first neuro-simulation courses in 5 governmental Universities in Cameroon. I am also actively involved in Neurosurgical Education in Cameroon (Lecturer of Neurosurgery) and Africa.
In closing Dr. Esene wished to acknowledge and thank those that supported his FIENS - Bassett Fellowship journey.
I would like to extend my sincere appreciation to the head of the department and FIENS Chair Prof Dempsey for his mentorship and financial support. To the entire staff of UW- Madison for facilitating my stay in the department
Samuel Gana
BASSETT FELLOW
2023
🇳🇬 Nigeria
Samuel Gana
2023 Bassett Fellow
Home Country: Nigeria
Fellowship Hosts: Dr. Baskaya and Dr. Dempsey
Practicing Hospital: Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital
Fellowship Hospital: University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health
Fellowship Overview: Dr. Gana completed the Bassett Fellowship in 2024 at the University of Wisconsin-Madison under the guidance of trainer, Dr. Mustafa Baskaya. The activities of his fellowship includedcompleting the Baskaya Microsurgical Bypass Training Curriculum, learning and participating in cadaveric skull base approaches in the microdissection lab. He also was able to participate in the 13th Wisconsin Annual Nerve Lab and the Spine Symposium and Surgical Skills Lab. He also attended weekly clinical and academic meetings of the Department of Neurosurgery during his fellowship.
When asked how the training support will contribute to his home country he shared:
This fellowship training has given me a better understanding of aneurysm surgery, approaches to skull base tumors, and overall, a better appreciation of microdissection and techniques of hemostasis. Also, I have seen firsthand the use of intraoperative neuro-monitoring, the use of intraoperative dyes, and the use of neuro-navigation.
When asked what his future plans were in building infrastructure in Cameroon, Dr. Gana responded:
I currently work in Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Zaria which is a tertiary hospital in Northwestern Nigeria. I plan to expand the scope of my practice to include cerebrovascular surgery. I plan to push for the acquisition of a new operating microscope and microdissection sets, as our operating microscope is suboptimal and almost non-functional. Also, I am strongly making a case for the acquisition of equipment like neuronavigation, cavitron ultrasonic aspirator and neuromonitoring devices.
In closing Dr. Gana wished to acknowledge and thank those that supported his FIENS - Bassett Fellowship journey.
I would like to acknowledge my trainer Professor Mustafa Baskaya, as well as Proffesor Robert Dempsey for receiving me to the UW-MADISON.
Also, I thank Dr Abdullah Keles and other fellows in the lab for their support.
Finally, I thank Elizabeth Ludwig and Alan Weld for housing me throughout my fellowship, and providing me with a truly American family experience.
Fortuné Gankpé
BASSETT FELLOW
2021
🇧🇯 Benin
Fortuné Gankpé
2021 Bassett Fellow
Home Country: Benin
Fellowship Hospital: Brigham and Women’s Hospital
Fellowship Host: Professor Alexandra Golby
Fellowship Overview
Dr. Gbètoho Fortuné Gankpé is a Bassett Fellowship awardee from Benin who completed his clinical training in the neurosurgery residence program at theWFNS Rabat Center of Excellence. He was awarded the fellowship in 2021 but due to COVID, he was unable to travel. Finally, in 2024, he was able to complete his fellowship. Dr. Gankpé completed his fellowship at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston hosted by Professor Alexandra Golby. Supporting him in is his training were some of Dr. Golby’s colleagues, Drs. Linda Bi, Ossama Al-Mefty, Omar Arnaout, Nirav Patel and Paolo Peruzzi.
The activities of his fellowship included observing 67 neurosurgical procedures in the OR, observing a 1 month clinical rotation in the Children’s Hospital and a 1 week in clinical rotation in the neurosurgery ICU. He was also able to participate in a weekly case management course in the Cushing Division of the Department of Neurosurgery and a weekly lecture series. Lastly, he was able to participate in research capacity training in the Golby Lab.
When asked how the training support will contribute to his home country he shared:
First of all, I observed and learned how multidisciplinary teams work which I will reproduce with my colleagues in my home country.
Also, seeing and learning how people operate almost without brain retractor, I think I could do that in order to improve outcomes for our patients back home. I have observed different strategies that surgeons use here to be able to have excellent outcomes for patients, and hopefully, I will return to Benin and bring these new ideas, initiatives, strategies for high quality neurosurgical care.
In terms of networking, I have met many doctors from around the World and made many connections for future partnerships.
In closing Dr. Gankpé wished to acknowledge and thank those that supported his FIENS – Bassett Fellowship journey.
I’d like to thank FIENS for funding my fellowship in USA. I had been selected for this fellowship in 2021 and due to the Covid-19 pandemic, I was unable to show up in US. When I reached out to FIENS two years later, I was unaware about if my award has been maintained.
Also, I’d like to thank Proffesor Alexandra Golby. When I initially contacted Dr Golby to inquire about an observership, I was familiar with only her reputation — as a world renowned in neurosurgery. Despite having no prior personal connection, I decided to take a chance and see if she would be willing to host me and she warmly accepted. I am so grateful for her.
Many thanks to Proffesor Mohammed Chaoui and his team of the department of Neurosurgery of Fez in Morocco where my neurosurgical adventure has started. Finally thank to my mentors in Benin, Dr Kisito Quenum and Dr Thierry Alihonou and my parents and family.
Chafik Handis
BASSETT FELLOW
2023
🇩🇿 Algérie
Chafik Handis
2023 Bassett Fellow
Name: Dr. Chafik Handis
Home Country: Algérie
Fellowship Hospital: Pacific Neuroscience Institute
Sponsors: Daniel F. Kelly
Dr. Chafik Handis is an Algerian assistant Professor in Neurosurgery. His medical school is Algiers University - Faculty of Medicine in Algeria. He was trained in a neurosurgical residency at Mohamed Lamine Debaghine University Hospital (BEO). He has been practicing as a specialist since 2018 in the same hospital. He has a special interest in skull base and cerebrovascular surgeries.
We had the opportunity to hear from Dr. Handis. Here is the overview of what he participated in during his fellowship:
With the Bassett Fellowship, I had an excellent opportunity to observe Dr. Kelly's and Dr. Barkhoudarian's surgeries, from endoscopic endonasal to keyhole technics. I attended the tumoral board which was a great chance of learning the management of complex cases. The most important part was the dissection laboratory where I spent a long time performing all skull base approaches from endonasal to open technics. I had even done some white matter anatomy studies which was very interesting. I am performing anatomical studies comparing endoscopic and open microscopic approaches for the lower clivus.
Teuku Arie Hidayat
BASSETT FELLOW
2024
🇮🇩 Indonesia
Teuku Arie Hidayet
2024 Bassett Fellow
Fellowship Host: Professor Michaël Bruneau
Fellowship Hospital: Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussels
Fellowship Status: Current fellow. Dr. Hidayat’s fellowship goal is to enhance his neurosurgical skills and knowledge to support neurosurgical patients in West Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia.
Seare Haleform Kahsay
Bassett FELLOW
2023
🇪🇹 Ethiopia
Seare Haleform Kahsay
2023 Bassett Fellow
Fellowship Host: Sam Safavi-Abbasi
Fellowship Hospital: Common Spirit Yapavai Medical Center, Prescott, Arizona, USA
Status: Current Bassett Fellow
Kamga Nkouli Steve Jacquier
Clack Scholar
2024
🇨🇲 Cameroon
Kamga Nkouli Steve Jacquier
2024 Clack Scholar
Program Director: Kiboi Julius Githinji
Training Hospital: University of Nairobi, Faculty of Health Sciences
Status: Current Clack Scholar
Bakang Abiot Kgaodi
Clack Scholar
2023
🇧🇼 Botswana
Bakang Abiot Kgaodi
2023 Clack Scholar
Program Director: Dr. Graham Fieggen
Hospital Location: University of Cape Town
Status: Current Clack Scholar
Peh Hueh Low
Bassett FELLOW
2022
🇲🇾 Malaysia
Peh Hueh Low
2022 Bassett Fellow
Home Country: Malaysia
Fellowship Training Hospital: Rady's Children’s Hospital-San Diego, California
Fellowship Host: Professor Michael Levy
Fellowship Overview: Dr. Low is a neurosurgeon from Malaysia, practicing at a remote center without pediatric neurosurgical service in her home country. The objectives of her fellowship were to:
1) Observe the setup of pediatric neurosurgical service in an established pediatric center
2) Observe how a pediatric center operates
3) Follow the surgical procedures that are not done in Malaysia, including patient selection, peri-operative care, and technical nuances
The learning activities of Dr. Low’s Fellowship included:
1) Daily involvement in elective and emergency surgeries
2) Daily involvement with the neurosurgical team providing ward, rehabilitation, and NICU care
3) Working with pediatric neurosurgery attendings and neurosurgical nurse practitioners on clinic days evaluating new, follow-up, and post-operative patients
4) Participation in educational activities, including neurosurgical grand rounds, neuro-radiology and neuropathology conferences, skull base workshop, and surgical epilepsy conferences
5) Submit an abstract for poster at the Annual AANS/CNS Scientific Meeting in Pediatric Neurological Surgery and attend the educational event
When asked what her future plans were regarding a new neurosurgical site and creating infrastructure in Malaysia, she responded: “The Malaysian government is building a women’s and children’s hospital in the state where I am working now. I work at a government hospital in the Sarawak state in East Malaysia, where complex pediatric neurosurgical cases must be transferred by a flight across the South China Sea for treatment in West Malaysia. This is logistically challenging for sick kids and their families, most of whom are from the lower socioeconomic group. Therefore, the government is building a new block at my current workplace that will serve as a dedicated pediatric center to escalate pediatric service in the state. Part of the aim of my fellowship was to gain experience that will assist me in setting up a pediatric neurosurgical service in the state which can mitigate the need for transfer for a sick kid.”
Dr. Low proceeded to share, “The fellowship supported me in widening the scope of service by introducing and initiating surgeries unavailable or not widely completed in Malaysia. This knowledge will help me improve patient outcomes by escalating my skill set. The fellowship also supported me in establishing collaboration for training to attain self-sustainability in providing pediatric neurosurgical service in the long run.”
When asked about her FIENS- Basset Fellowship journey, Dr. Low said “Every act of kindness ripples in ways we could never imagine. My gratitude towards everyone that make this trip a success goes beyond words. I am incredibly grateful to FIENS for the support provided. Besides reducing my financial burden, it was also a source of encouragement and inspiration for me to strive for the better. I am back in my home country with what I have learned, and I hope that the experience I have gained can make a difference in the pediatric neurosurgical service back here.”
Célèbre Mualaba
Clack Scholar
2024
Democratic Republic of the Congo
Célèbre Mualaba
2024 Clack Scholar
Name: Célèbre Mualaba is an Home Country: Democratic Republic of Congo
Training Hospital: Cheikh Anto Diop University, Dakar, Senegal
Program Director: Professor Momar Codè BA.
Herve Lekuya Monka
Bassett FELLOW
2021
🇺🇬 Uganda
Herve Lekuya Monka
2021 Bassett Fellow
Home Country: Uganda
Fellowship Hospital: Weill Cornell
Training Program: Neurosurgery training program: College of Surgeons of East Central and Southern Africa (COSECSA) – Neurosurgery Residency Neurosurgery Unit- Mulago National Referral Hospital, Kampala, Uganda
Fellowship Hosts: Dr. Alexander Evins, Dr. Roger Hartl, Dr. Antonio Bernardo
In March of 2022 Dr. Lekuya completed his fellowship at The Surgical Innovations Laboratory for Skull Base Microsurgery at the Weill Cornell Medicine Brain and Spine Center under the guidance of trainers Dr. Antonio Bernardo and Dr. Alexander Evins. Hervé is undergoing the Neurosurgery Residency under the COSECSA regional program through the collaboration of Mulago Hospital and Duke Global Neurology & Neurosurgery. Dr. Lekuya is sitting the board exam this year and as part of the COSECSA Regulations Examination In Neurosurgery FCS Neuro (ECSA). He was required to spend an elective rotation of up to six months in a different neurosurgery unit outside his country of training in order to gain experience with a spectrum of neurosurgical disciplines.
We had the opportunity to hear from Dr. Lekuya. Here are some highlights from what he shared:
Honestly speaking, this has been the greatest experience of the improvement of my neurosurgical skills that is critical for neurosurgical practice in my home country (Uganda).
This FIENS-Bassett fellowship has refined and sharpened my neurosurgical knowledge, skills, eyes, steadiness, and hands-on experience. Basically, I had the opportunity to discover the complex and detailed anatomical relationships of the skull base structures mainly, as well as the finest details of skull base surgical techniques and corridors. I strongly believe that this is the best training opportunity that I have had in my Neurosurgical education.
When asked what his future plans were regarding a new neurosurgical site and creating infrastructure in Uganda Dr. Lekuya responded:
I have a plan of setting up a dedicated unit for skull base surgery with the FIENS collaboration. There is a need for building up expertise in that area where the scope of procedures has been widened with the advent of advanced Neuro-imaging in the country. For instance, I believe that we can start by setting up a basic skull base Lab for Neurosurgeons to practice frequently in cadavers, and also to teach others.
In closing Dr. Lekuya wished to acknowledge and thank those that supported his FIENS - Basset Fellowship journey.
From the bottom of my heart, I sincerely express my appreciation to the FIENS-Bassett Fellowship Committee, especially Dr. David Sandberg & Dr. Azam Syed Ahmed for their support and kindness to make this happen. I would express my acknowledgement to Dr. Antonio Bernardo and Dr. Alexander Evins, and also the Chair of the Weill Cornell Neurological Surgery, Dr. Philip Stieg, for their acceptance of my application to join their State of Art skull base Lab. Dr. Antonio has dedicated several hours of his time to training me in a face-to-face format that I felt to be so precious. Thank you for that, it was really memorable for me. I would extend my acknowledgment to Dr. Roger Hartl for his kindness, support, and recommendations throughout the process. He is one of the mentors who believed in me as a Neurosurgeon and inspired me to work hard with a commitment to my neurosurgical education. I would also express my acknowledgment to the Mulago Hospital COSECSA Neurosurgery faculty, Dr. Michael Muhumuza, Dr. Peter Ssenyonga, & Dr. Joel Kiryabwire, to the Duke Global Neurology and Neurosurgery, especially Dr. Michael Haglund for the continuous input and support in my neurosurgical education in Uganda for several years. Last, but not least, I would extend my acknowledgement to all my Co-fellows from all over the world during my stay; they have assisted me through this learning, guided me, and also taught me several things beyond the curriculum.
Christelle Nathalie Ghomsi Momdjo
Clack Scholar
2021
🇨🇲 Cameroon
Christelle Nathalie Ghomsi Momdjo
2021 Clack Scholar
Home Country: Cameroon Sponsor: Professor Médard Kakou Hospital: Université Félix Houphouët-Boigny, Abidjan – Côte d’Ivoire Dr. Nathalie Christelle Ghomsi has accomplished so much since being awarded the FIENS Clack fellowship in 2021. In March 2023, she will present her thesis for her Masters in Anatomy program. In June 2022, she was awarded the best neurosurgery resident of the year and best scientific collaborator at her hospital. In July 2022, she published a paper on establishing a neurosurgical skill laboratory in West Africa; you can read the abstract here. In addition, she was recently awarded multiple scholarships to attend the SNOSSA annual conference in Accra, Ghana, and the SNO yearly conference in Tampa, Florida. Dr. Ghomsi also was awarded a scholarship from the Continental Association of African Neurological Societies (CAANS) annual congress for a scientific abstract. Dr. Ghomsi is also the Assistant Editor of the Annals of African Surgery, Kenya, an adviser to the chair of Incision Cameroon, and a research fellow for the Association of Future African Neurosurgeons. She shares her own words about the FIENS Clack Fellowship: The scholarship has helped me focus on my activities entirely. You have contributed massively as a pioneer to my neurosurgical and personal education. So, I plan on giving back to society what has been offered to me. Once more, I express my most profound appreciation.
Simon Mukuye
Clack Scholar
2020
🇺🇬 Uganda
Simon Mukuye
2020 Clack Scholar
Home Country: Uganda
Program Director: Mahmood Qureshi
Hospital Location: Uganda
Dr. Simon Mukuye is a 2020 FIENS Clack Family Scholarship awardee from Uganda. He graduated as a neurosurgeon from the College of Surgeons of East, Central, and Southern Africa (COSECSA).
At Yashoda hospital he participated in many neurosurgical procedures including but not limited to DBS (deep brain stimulation) for tremors, stereotactic brain biopsy, radiofrequency ablative surgery for trigeminal neuralgia, brain tumor resection with a CUSA (Cavitron ultrasonic surgical aspirator), tumor embolization, AVM embolization, and aneurysm coiling, and the utilization of neuronavigation equipment in some cranial procedures.
Dr. Mukuye shared one of his best training experiences:
My best neurosurgical training experience in Uganda was at CURE hospital in Mbale, Uganda where I participated in over 30 pediatric brain tumor resections and also did a number of endoscopic third ventriculostomies single-handedly over a period of 4 months.
Dr. Mukuye shared how the scholarship funding supported him in achieving his goals:
The financial support enabled me to spend time on the neurosurgical wards, attend clinical lectures and a neurosurgical clinical fellowship at an institution outside Uganda at Yashoda Hospital in Hyderabad, India.
The funding from the FIENS scholarship also enabled him to attend a clinical fellowship at Mbarara University teaching hospital in Uganda. At Mbarara hospital I had a chance to attend many neuro-radiology and neuropathology conferences, I attended grand rounds on TBI, functional neuroanatomy, spine stability, and skull base anatomy to mention just a few.
He shared in his own words about the FIENS Clack Scholarship:
Thank you FIENS for having enabled a rich neurosurgical training experience for me in Uganda.
Peter Mushenya
BASSETT FELLOW
2022
🇿🇲 Zambia
Peter Mushenya
2022 Bassett Fellow
Home Country: Zambia
Fellowship Hospital: Hospital Santa Maria della Misericordia in Udine and Careggi University Hospital
Training Program: Neurosurgery training program: College of Surgeons of East Central and Southern Africa (COSECSA)- Neurosurgery Residency Neurosurgery Unit – University Teaching Hospital, Luska, Zambia
Fellowship Hosts: Dr. Demo Dugoni and Dr. Barbara Caappelletto
Dr. Peter Mushenya completed his fellowship at Hospital Santa Maria della Misericordia in Udine and Careggi University Hospital in Florence under the guidance of trainers Dr. Barbara Cappelletto and her team of seven neurosurgeons in Udine, Italy and Dr. Stefano Romoli and his team of three neurosurgeons in Florence, Italy. Dr. Mushenya’s objectives were to gain exposure to a variety of spinal surgery procedures, especially instrumented surgery in order to bring that knowledge and expertise back to his home country of Zambia.
Here are some highlights from what Dr. Mushenya shared:
Coming from a country with only 3 fully trained and qualified Neurosurgeons at the moment catering to a population of 18 million people, this fellowship has equipped me with extra knowledge and skills to effectively contribute to management of spine surgery conditions and lessen the burden on our few neurosurgeons.
When asked what his future plans were regarding a new neurosurgical site and creating infrastructure in Zambia, Dr. Mushenya responded:
The ministry of health has plans to expand neurosurgical services to other centers as only 2 centers in our country currently offer neurosurgical services. However this will be done in a phased manner over a period of time as more Neurosurgeons get trained. I must state here that we are the first group of neurosurgeons being trained locally, and the first class, which I am a part of, is scheduled to complete the training at the end of this year.
In closing Dr. Mushenya wished to acknowledge and thank those that supported his FIENS- Basset Fellowship journey.
Firstly I would like to FIENS for this financial support and hope that I can be considered again in future. I would also like to thank our director of training at the University Teaching Hospitals, Lusaka, Zambia, Dr Kachinga Sichizya, for his recommendations, constant support and for allowing me to travel at this particular time that I did.
I would also like to thank Dr Barbara Cappelletto and Dr Stefano Romoli for their wonderful receptions in Italy. They are both great mentors and very kind people.
Great thanks also goes to Professor Corrado Iaccarino for helping me find the hospitals for my fellowship and for his recommendations.
Lastly I would like to thank my wife for her love and support during the entire period that I was away.
Manakhe Nassiuma
Clack Scholar
2023
🇰🇪 Kenya
Manakhe Nassiuma
2023 Clack Scholar
Home Country: Kenya
Program Director: Dr. David Oluoch-Olunya
Training Hospital: Kenyatta University Teaching Referral and Research Hospital (KUTRRH)
Status: Current Clack Fellow
Jalilarah Nassozi
Clack Scholar
2024
🇺🇬 Uganda
Jalilarah Nassozi
2024 Clack Scholar
Name: Jalilarah Nassozi
Home Country: Uganda
Training Hospital: Kenyatta National Hospital, Kenya
Status: Current Clack Scholar
Jeremiah Omoro
Bassett fellow
2024
🇰🇪 Kenya
Jeremiah Omoro
2024 Bassett Fellow
Home Country: Kenya
Fellowship Host: Professor Yoko Kato
Fellowship Hospital: Fujita Health University, Bantane Hospital
Status: Current Bassett Fellow
Jo Ee Sam
BASSETT FELLOW
2023
🇲🇾 Malaysia
Jo Ee Sam
2023 Bassett Fellow
Home Country: Malaysia
Fellowship Training Hospital: Fujita Health University Bantane Hospital
Fellowship Host: Professor Yoko Kato
Fellowship Overview: In 2023, Jo Ee Sam’s FIENS Bassett Fellowship at Fujita Health University Bantane Hospital in Japan was a career highlight for him. With a strong desire to bridge the gap in cerebrovascular neurosurgery skills and techniques, Jo Ee Sam embarked on this transformative fellowship to gain invaluable experience and knowledge. Equipped with knowledge from his fellowship, he aims to revolutionize neurosurgical practices in Malaysia with the goal of saving more lives and improving patient outcomes.
Fellowship Objectives:
The primary focus of Jo Ee Sam’s fellowship was on mastering cerebrovascular neurosurgery. With a scarcity of resources and limited access to endovascular therapy in Malaysia, patients often do not have adequate treatment options. Jo Ee Sam recognized the urgency to learn these specialized skills to bring about a positive change. Under the guidance of Professor Yoko Kato and her team, Jo Ee Sam learned new skills to treat microsurgical anastomosis with simulated vessels, gradually honing the techniques required for successful surgeries. By acquiring these skills, he now possesses the ability to address complex cerebrovascular conditions and provide life-saving interventions to patients back home.
Throughout the fellowship, Jo Ee Sam had the privilege of observing and participating in a wide range of neurosurgical procedures. These included aneurysm clippings, bypasses, ventriculoatrial shunts, endoscopic skull base surgeries, spine surgeries, and emergency procedures. Additionally, He also had the opportunity to assist in endovascular procedures, further broadening his expertise.
The fellowship training received by Jo Ee Sam holds immense potential for the advancement of neurosurgery in Malaysia. Bringing back his newfound knowledge and skills, Jo Ee Sam aims to contribute to the field in several ways.
When asked about his plans to increase neurosurgical infrastructure in his home country he replied:
He intends to provide enhanced vascular and neurosurgical services to patients who previously lacked suitable treatment options. This will undoubtedly save lives and improve patient outcomes. Furthermore, Jo Ee Sam plans to share his new expertise with fellow neurosurgeons, facilitating knowledge transfer and capacity building within the Malaysian medical community. Empowering others with this specialized skill set, he envisions a future where more lives can be saved, and the quality of neurosurgical care is elevated nationwide.
In Closing:
Dr. Jo Ee Sam would like to express his deep gratitude to Professor Yoko Kato and the team at Fujita Health University Bantane Hospital for their exceptional mentorship and support throughout the fellowship. Furthermore, he acknowledges Dr. Low Peh Hueh for sharing her fellowship experience and introducing them to the FIENS Fellowship Program. Jo Ee Sam commends the FIENS Bassett Fellowship program for its noble vision of enabling doctors to teach and share their knowledge, ultimately saving more lives.
Watch this brief video to hear from Jo Ee Sam about his fellowship experience.
Rabia Saleem
MUKHTAR A. SHEIKH FELLOW
2024
🇵🇰 Pakistan
Rabia Saleem
2024 Mukhtar A. Sheikh Fellow
Home Country: Pakistan
Fellowship Host: Professor Mustafa Baskaya
Fellowship Hospital: University of Wisconsin, Madison
Status: Current MASH Fellow
Henok Teshome
Clack Scholar
2023
🇪🇷 Eritrea
Henok Teshome
2023 Clack Scholar
Program Director: Dr. Thomas Bogale
Hospital: Addis Ababa University
Status: Current Clack Fellow
Samaila Timothy
Bassett FELLOW
2023
🇳🇬 Nigeria
Samaila Timothy
2023 Bassett Fellow
Home Country: Nigeria
Fellowship Host: Dr. Mustafa Baskaya
Hospital: University of Wisconsin-Madison, School of Medicine and Public Health
Status: Current Bassett Fellow
Huy Minh Tran
BASSETT FELLOW
2023
🇻🇳 Vietnam
Huy Minh Tran
2023 Bassett Fellow
Home Country: Vietnam
Fellowship Host: Dr. Daniel Prevedello
Fellowship Hospital: Ohio State University, Wexler Medical
Fellowship Overview: The purpose of Dr. Tran’s fellowship is to bolster his clinical and academic skills that can then be applied upon returning to Cho Ray Hospital after completion of the fellowship. Some of his specific goals for the fellowship are to learn more about endoscopic surgery including skull base anatomy, the extended EEA, skull base reconstruction, and how to build a skull base surgery program within the constraints of limited resources in Vietnam. He looks forward to bringing his new skills home to share with other residents and medical students in order to increase neurosurgical capacity in his home country.
Please contact info@fiens.org if there are any copy error.
Additional Fellows and Scholars
Nang Saw Myat Hnin Aye
BASSETT FELLOW
2019
🇲🇲 Myanmar
Sponsored by: Jack Rock, MD
Hospital: Henry Ford
Cheruiyot Davies
Bassett FELLOW
2022
🇰🇪 Kenya
Sponsored by: Michael Chicoine
Hospital: University of Washington
Idi Marcel Ehanga
Clack Scholar
2021
Program Director: Jombwe Josephat
Hospital Location: Uganda
Manyando Lubasi
Clack Scholar
2019
Program Director: Graham Fieggen
Hospital Location: Zambia
Benson Maina
Clack Scholar
2021
Program Director: Moody Qureshi
Hospital Location: Kenya
Pyie Win Htut
BASSETT FELLOW
2016
🇲🇲 Myanmar
Sponsored by: Jack Rock, MD
Hospital: Henry Ford
Ahmed Hussein
BASSETT FELLOW
2019
🇪🇬 Egypt
Sponsored by: Amgad Hanna
Hospital: University of Wisconsin
Su Myat Mo
BASSETT FELLOW
2019
🇲🇲 Myanmar
Sponsored by: Jack Rock, MD
Hospital: Henry Ford
Alex Muhindo
BASSETT FELLOW
2017
🇺🇬 Uganda
Sponsored by: Duke University
Hospital: Duke University
Aung Thu Soe Myint
BASSETT FELLOW
2017
🇲🇲 Myanmar
Sponsored by: Jack Rock, MD
Hospital: Henry Ford
Oluwole Oyeleye
BASSETT FELLOW
2022
🇳🇬 Nigeria
Sponsored by: Mustafa Baskaya
Hospital: University of Wisconsin
Adnan Qasim
BASSETT FELLOW
2021
🇵🇰 Pakistan
Sponsored by: Mustafa Baskaya
Hospital: University of Wisconsin
Thar San
BASSETT FELLOW
2016
🇲🇲 Myanmar
Sponsored by: Jack Rock, MD
Hospital: Henry Ford
Nalwanga Juliet Sekobunga
BASSETT FELLOW
2017
🇺🇬 Uganda
Sponsored by: Robert Dempsey
Hospital: University of Wisconsin
Myat Naing Tun
BASSETT FELLOW
2017
🇲🇲 Myanmar
Sponsored by: Jack Rock, MD
Hospital: Henry Ford
Aung Thurein Win
BASSETT FELLOW
2018
🇲🇲 Myanmar
Sponsored by: Jack Rock, MD
Hospital: Henry Ford
Sein Wynn
BASSETT FELLOW
2018
🇲🇲 Myanmar
Sponsored by: Jack Rock, MD
Hospital: Henry Ford
