We are excited to announce the two newest Clack Family Scholars, Bob Kitambala Makuta and Tadelu Tsegaw. As 2025 Clack Family awardees, they will receive funds to continue their neurosurgical education in their home countries.
Dr. Bob Kitambala Makuta
Dr. Bob Kitambala Makuta is an aspiring neurosurgeon from the Democratic Republic of Congo. He is currently in his fourth year of neurosurgical residency at Cheikh Anta Diop University in Dakar, Senegal, under the direction of Professor Momar Codè BA.
His home country has only about 20 neurosurgeons for a population of more than 100 million. The Democratic Republic of Congo is densely populated and continues to face the challenges of war and poverty, creating an urgent and pressing need for qualified neurosurgeons.
Dr. Makuta faces significant financial challenges in sustaining his training. FIENS is proud to support him in continuing his education so that he may return to the Democratic Republic of Congo, where he intends to bring his neurosurgical expertise back to serve patients in dire need.
“My country, the Democratic Republic of Congo, is densely populated and torn by war and poverty. There is a pressing need for qualified neurosurgeons. This scholarship will help me cover my tuition fees and travel expenses, allowing me to further my training in a highly specialized center.”
Dr. Tadelu Tsegaw
Dr. Tadelu Tsegaw is the only female neurosurgical resident at Addis Ababa University’s Black Lion Hospital, Navigating the challenges of a male-dominated field amid ongoing political unrest in Ethiopia’s northern region. The conflict has brought personal loss and disrupted her family’s financial stability, forcing her to balance demanding residency duties with extra work to support her family.
Despite the strain, she is determined to complete her training and become one of only seven female neurosurgeons in Ethiopia. FIENS is Proud to support her final year of Residency so she may dedicate her self fully to her studies, research, and future service to patients in Ethiopia.
“As I am in my final year of neurosurgical training, this fellowship would provide crucial financial relief, allowing me to wholly dedicate myself to my studies and research without the distraction of extra work hours. This support is essential to help me reach my goal of becoming one of only seven female neurosurgeons in Ethiopia.”
We look forward to sharing updates on the progress of these ambitious neurosurgeons who will save and improve the lives of many in Ethiopia and the Democratic Republic of Congo and inspire other practitioners to pursue neurosurgical education pathways.
