Blog
Stories, insights, and updates from the Global Colorectal Surgery Education Initiative.
Discover the latest news from our fellows, faculty, and partner institutions as we work together to strengthen colorectal surgery education and expand access to high-quality care. Explore program milestones, research highlights, educational innovations, and firsthand stories that reflect our ongoing commitment to building sustainable surgical capacity in low- and middle-income countries.
From Michigan to Ghana: Delivering Hope Through Medical Supplies
This past month an important shipment of medical supplies begins its journey from Michigan to Ghana, carrying more than boxes and equipment—it carries hope, support, and the promise of better healthcare for communities in need. Across the United States, many usable…
More Than $100,000 in Surgical Equipment and Supplies Shipped to Ghana
Alongside our training and education efforts, GCSEI continues to address another major barrier to surgical care: access to the equipment and supplies needed to safely care for patients. Over the past year, through the generosity of our partners and donors, we…
Beyond the Fellowship: Mentorship, Observerships, and Global Exchange
An important part of our colorectal surgery training program extends beyond the fellowship itself. Through partnerships with academic institutions in the United States, fellows have opportunities for mentorship, international observerships, professional networking,…
Expanding Colorectal Surgery Training in Ghana
Our Ghana Colorectal Surgery Fellowship continues to grow, with trainees developing advanced skills in open and laparoscopic colorectal surgery, endoscopy, outpatient evaluation, and the multidisciplinary management of colorectal disease. Fellows rotate between our…
Ghana’s First Non-Technical Skills for Surgery Training
In April 2026, GCSEI faculty joined colleagues at Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) in Kumasi to deliver Ghana’s first Non-Technical Skills for Surgery (NOTSS) training workshop. Organized through the Colorectal Unit within KATH’s Directorate of Surgery, the…
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 was not…
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 general…
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…