Training Program: Neurosurgery training program: College of Surgeons of East Central and Southern Africa (COSECSA)- Neurosurgery Residency Neurosurgery Unit – University Teaching Hospital, Luska, Zambia
Sponsors: Dr. Demo Dugoni and Dr. Barbara Caappelletto
This May 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.
Earlier this year we had the opportunity to hear from Dr. Mushenya. Here are some highlights from what he 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.
