Insights & Updates
Stories, research highlights, and program updates from the Global Colorectal Initiative network.
Explore the latest news from our partners, teaching hospitals, and fellows as we work to expand access to high-quality colorectal care in low- and middle-income countries. From training milestones to implementation lessons, this is where we share what we’re learning along the way.
A Turning Point in Surgical Thinking: Reflections from Dr. Christian Urimubabo
“When I began my residency in general surgery, colorectal surgery was not a clearly defined subspecialtyin my mind. Many colorectal procedures were performed by general surgeons, and my early exposure was limited to basic anorectal and abdominal operations. It…
From Personal Journey to Collective Legacy: Co-Creating a Surgical Fellowship in My New Home.
Three years ago, I arrived in this country seeking peace and security. I was welcomed with an extraordinary opportunity: to not only practice as a colorectal surgeon but to lay the foundation for an entirely new fellowship program. “I am profoundly grateful to the…
Dr. Nathalie Umugwaneza’s Journey in Colorectal Surgery: Perspectives from Rwanda
“My name is Nathalie Umugwaneza, and I am a colorectal surgery fellow at the University of Rwanda. My inspiration to join colorectal surgery began shortly after completing general surgery residency in 2022. At that time, I was practicing as a Junior Consultant…
Congratulations to Dr. Ijeoma Aja
We are thrilled to celebrate Dr. Ijeoma Aja, our second graduate of Ghana’s Colorectal Surgery Fellowship. In November, Dr. Aja marked this milestone with a small, heartfelt celebration alongside faculty and residents at Koforidua, the hospital where she has helped…
CHALLENGES OF SETTING UP A COLORECTAL SERVICE
CHALLENGES OF SETTING UP A COLORECTAL SERVICE By Ijeoma Aja 10th Nov, 2025. A little over a year ago, I set off bright eyed and eager back to Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, my alma mater. I had left 6years prior after completing my fellowship in General Surgery eager…
Walking Full Circle: Thanksgiving in Eastern Region of Ghana
This past Thanksgiving, I found myself standing in the corridors of a hospital I had rarely set foot in—and yet, somehow, it felt like I had been there all my life. I was in Eastern Region of Ghana, at Eastern Regional Hospital, located in the bustling town of…
Help us build colorectal surgery capacity in Ghana
December 11, 2025 Dear Colleagues and Friends, I hope you’re doing well. If it’s been a while since we last connected, I hopethings have been going smoothly on your end. As the holiday seasonapproaches, I wanted to share something personal and ask for yourgenerosity…
Building Colorectal Surgery Capacity in Ghana: Reflections from the Kumasi CRS Workshop
On April 15, 2025, we convened a one-day Colorectal Surgery (CRS) Educational Workshop in Kumasi, Ghana, bringing together general surgeons from across the Ashanti and surrounding regions for focused, practical training in colorectal care. The workshop was held at the…
Varshini Odayar, a first-year medical student at Michigan, presented her poster at the American Society of Clinical Oncology
Varshini Odayar, a first-year medical student at Michigan, presented her poster titled “T-cell effector cytokine signature as predictor of survival and toxicity in metastatic NSCLC patients treated with immunotherapy” at the held in Chicago on May 31st. She was one of…
Our Summer Intern – Elsie Van Wieran
This summer, our intern, Elsie Van Wieren, shared how her experience as a college athlete has shaped her approach to global health research. She highlights the strong parallels between athletics and research—discipline, teamwork, adaptability, and resilience—all of…