Dear Colleagues and FIENS Community,
We are pleased to recognize and support the continued efforts of the Kisumu Neurosurgery Symposium (KNI), held February 20–21 in Kisumu—an important initiative advancing neurosurgical education and access to care across Kenya.
This year’s symposium, alongside the associated neurocamp, brought together approximately 100 participants—both in person and virtually—and featured 16 presenters contributing to a dynamic program of live surgeries, education, and interdisciplinary exchange. Led in part by Victor Awuor and the Kisumu Neuroscience Initiative, the event reflects a growing commitment to addressing the significant neurosurgical workforce gap in the region, where access to specialized care remains limited. The meeting was coordinated and chaired by Dr Victor Awuor of Ohio Health who sponsored the CME activity and is a founding surgeon member of the KNI.
As shared by Robert Galler following the team’s recent return from Kenya, the neurocamp and symposium were both highly productive, with strong local engagement and meaningful participation from international collaborators. Notably, the program has contributed to measurable progress in local capacity—growing from no neurosurgeons in the region at its inception to now three locally based surgeons. These efforts also highlight the complexity of delivering sustainable training programs, requiring close coordination with local leadership and a deep understanding of the healthcare landscape.
FIENS was proud to be represented through virtual participation and presentations from Jack Rock, FIENS Board Member, and Robert Dempsey, FIENS Board Chair, alongside Robert Galler. Their engagement was well received and reflects our shared commitment to strengthening global neurosurgical training and collaboration.
We commend the organizers and faculty for building a platform that not only delivers high-quality education, but also fosters long-term partnerships with local teaching hospitals and providers. Initiatives like this are critical to developing sustainable neurosurgical capacity.
FIENS looks forward to deepening our collaboration with the Kisumu Neuroscience Initiative and supporting future efforts through engagement of FIENS volunteers. We also look forward to having FIENS Volunteer Coordinator, Hamid Shah, work directly with this group to help connect and mobilize FIENS volunteers in support of upcoming neurocamps, symposia, and training activities.
With appreciation for this impactful work and optimism for what lies ahead,
Robert Dempsey, Jack Rock and Robert Galler
