2024 Spring Global Surgery Slingshot Cohort

Dr. Nebiyou Bayleyegn's journey as a physician began in 2017, when he graduated with his Doctor of Medicine degree from Jimma University. But his passion for medicine extended far beyond the confines of a hospital. Driven by a deep desire to serve the underserved, Dr. Bayleyegn pursued his specialization in General Surgery, graduating in 2021 with a burning ambition to make a global impact. 

Global surgery found a champion in Dr. Bayleyegn. He actively collaborates with initiatives like the Global Burden of Disease Study, bringing his expertise to bear on critical research. His dedication to improving healthcare access extends beyond borders, as evidenced by his leadership roles as hospital lead in projects like HIPPO and GECKO, while he is a national lead for project WOLVERINE. These projects, focused on surgical care and outcomes globally, resonate deeply with Dr. Bayleyegn's commitment to equitable healthcare. 

Dr. Bayleyegn's dedication to his craft is further reflected in his memberships in prestigious organizations like the Surgical Society of Ethiopia, the Ethiopian Medical Association, and the American College of Surgeons. These affiliations not only showcase his expertise but also highlight his commitment to continual learning and professional growth. 

My interest to participate in the global surgery slingshot program stems from my passion for surgeon and global surgery. Moreover, the Global Surgery Slingshot program offers a unique platform to ignite your impact and propel your career to new heights. 

I have founded HealCity in June 2023 aiming at Cultivating Healthier Cities, One Volunteer at a Time and Nurturing the next generation. 

Innovation: HealCity: Cultivating Healthier Cities, One Volunteer at a Time
Born in the heart of June 2023, HealCity bloomed with a vision: to transform cities into vibrant hubs of health and well-being. This ambitious non-profit organization lays its foundation on three pillars: 

• Volunteer power: HealCity bridges the gap between healthcare needs and helping hands. By recruiting passionate volunteers from various healthcare professions, the organization aims to supplement existing medical services and reach underserved communities. Think doctors, nurses, therapists, even administrative and logistical volunteers – all united by a common desire to make a difference. 
• Green healthcare environments: HealCity champions the concept of green healthcare, promoting sustainable practices within medical facilities and beyond. This includes initiatives like rooftop gardens for fresh produce, energy-efficient infrastructure, and waste reduction programs. The goal is to minimize healthcare's environmental footprint and create healthier spaces for both patients and staff. 
• Nurturing the next generation: HealCity recognizes the importance of investing in future healthcare leaders. Through mentorship programs, aspiring medical professionals gain invaluable guidance and support from experienced volunteers. Additionally, research collaboration opportunities allow young minds to contribute to groundbreaking healthcare advancements. 

Imagine a city where: 

• Dedicated volunteers provide free health screenings in community centers. 
• Hospital rooftops flourish with vibrant gardens, supplying fresh, organic food for patients. 
• Medical waste is minimized and recycled, creating a cleaner and greener healthcare environment. 
• Young doctors learn from seasoned mentors, ensuring the future of quality healthcare. 

This is the HealCity dream, a vision woven from compassion, sustainability, and a commitment to a healthier future. 

HealCity's impact goes beyond immediate medical aid. By fostering a culture of volunteerism and environmental consciousness, the organization empowers communities to take charge of their own health. This ripple effect creates a city where health is not just a privilege, but a right enjoyed by all.  

“HealCity paints a brighter future for urban health, one brushstroke at a time” 

Greetings! I am Dr. Venkata Satya Raman Bhavana, a passionate neurosurgeon driven by a commitment to advancing healthcare accessibility. Armed with qualifications such as M.B.B.S, M.S., and M.Ch (Neurosurgery), my journey in the world of neurosurgery has been defined by a quest for innovative solutions.

Reasons for Participating:
Joining Babson College’s Global Surgery Slingshot program holds profound significance for me. My dedication to addressing healthcare challenges in rural areas, where traditional microscopic tools may be scarce, fuels my enthusiasm for this program. I am eager to contribute transformative insights to neurosurgery through collaborative learning and innovative thinking.

Innovation: Foldscope
In my research endeavors, I delved into the potential of Foldscope—a mobile phone-based microscope—in central nervous system studies. This journey unveiled a cost-effective and portable solution that transcends resource limitations. The Foldscope not only facilitates diagnostic processes but also empowers healthcare professionals, especially in rural settings, with a versatile tool for neurosurgical applications.

Embarking on this program, I am excited to weave together my neurosurgical expertise and the possibilities offered by innovative technologies. I look forward to actively contributing to the vibrant collaborative community that defines the Global Surgery Slingshot program.

I am a Zambian neurosurgeon and the recipient of the 2023 CNS/Harvard Global Neurosurgery Fellowship/Observership award in Boston, Massachusetts. My interest in global surgery developed during my time at the Harvard program for global surgery and social change (PGSSC), where I became aware of the issues surrounding patient access to surgical care worldwide. As a neurosurgeon, I am keen on enhancing access to neurosurgical care in my country by establishing multidisciplinary patient management programs to improve outcomes. I firmly believe in developing sustainable local solutions for local problems through ethical innovation methods.

Reason for participating in this course:
As a proponent of global surgery, I recognize the unequal distribution of health resources worldwide, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). In my practice, I often treat critically ill and unconscious patients who require nutritional support as part of their treatment and rehabilitation. Unfortunately, due to unmet nutritional needs, these patients often develop malnutrition, leading to prolonged recovery periods, extended hospital stays, and, tragically, fatalities. Administering total parenteral nutrition (TPN) is crucial to meeting their nutritional requirements.

Innovation: Parenteral Nutrition Saves Lives
While TPN is easily accessible and frequently prescribed in high-income countries (HICs), the same cannot be said for low-income countries (LICs) and LMICs due to its high cost and the need for cold chain storage. This makes TPN one of the least prescribed essential drugs in impoverished nations. My innovation involves creating an affordable, local, shelf-stable parenteral nutrition pre-mix that can be easily reconstituted and administered in any hospital, benefiting any patient for whom it is prescribed.

One of the vintage hospitals in Ethiopia; that provides medical service in more than 25 fields. Excellence center in plastic and reconstructive surgery, Dermatology and ophthalmology. Has one of the largest total operating area with 17 OR tables.

Reason for participating in this course:
As one of the hospitals in Africa, we would like to share experience with other continents. Day care surgery is new for our continent, especially for our country Ethiopia. This program aids us network and share experiences.

Innovation: Day Care Surgery
Access to surgical care, in particular at government hospitals is very hard. The main reason for this is shortage of premises; hospitals, clinics or health centers. As a result maximum utilization of the available resource is, without a doubt the best option.

Day care surgery, in addition to improved patient satisfaction, low payment and equal or even lower post operative complication; it allows utilization of hospital resources optimally.

Day care surgery is seldom done in our country. It was the first time in our hospital and we did more than 200 surgeries with patients being intubated I the morning and discharged home in the afternoon. It provided the above benefits but shall be strengthened with experience sharing with other countries with best experience.

David Kiwango Deoglas DDS, is a faculty in the department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, School of Dentistry in the Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences (MUHAS) in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. He primary work as a lecturer in teaching undergraduate after being promoted to a fully faculty July this year. He is a fully trained Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon attending patients at the MUHAS dental clinic and the National Hospital. He participate in treating congenital anomalies including craniofacial anomalies, maxillofacial trauma, dental infections and head and neck neoplasms. He is also a researcher where he and his team recently won an early career SIDA seed grant to work on BRAF v600e mutation in ameloblastoma. He has been part of research publications including the recently published work on ‘Global oral and maxillofacial workforce.’ He has interest in global surgery in advocating on getting accessible, equitable safe surgery to people who are deprived with such services.

Reason for participating in this course:
I am eager to participate in this program, as I believe I will learn, improve my knowledge and skills in designing solutions to community problems. It will teach me and help me to improve my ideas and scale them up to sustainable projects. In addition, I want to learn the ins and out of entrepreneurship which will be important to me going forward.

Innovation: Establishing a National Cleft and Craniofacial Anomalies Registry
Cleft lip and palate are the most common head and neck congenital anomalies and they are more prevalent in Low and middle-income countries. Cleft and craniofacial anomalies management require a multidisciplinary team of experts and a longer treatment time. Due to such reasons surgical mission and camps by international non-governmental organizations has played a bigger role in cleft and craniofacial anomalies in LMICs. However, because the treatment require longer durations, follow-ups with multidisciplinary teams has been a problem and with limited human resources or most being located urban areas, you find adult patients with unrepaired clefts or children with partial repaired clefts with unsatisfactory quality of life. The registry aims at registering all patients with clefts and all those who receive part of the treatment in surgical camps and missions. Using the few human resources who are available patients will be linked with them and complete the treatment and rehabilitations.

Irene Devine Dzirasa is a Regional Lead (Health Policy and Advocacy) in the Health Policy and Advocacy Department at Operation Smile. In this capacity, Irene works with Ministries of health in Africa to develop and implement policies which aim to increase access to safe and timely surgical, obstetric, trauma and anaesthesia care. Notably, Irene is currently working with the Ministry of Health Ghana, and NSOAP technical working group to develop Ghana’s first National Surgical Obstetric and Anaesthesia Plan (NSOAP). With partners in Rwanda, she is equally supporting the assessment of Rwanda’s NSOAP.

She has a background in nutrition, public health, and sexual and reproductive health. Prior to joining Operation Smile, Irene worked with the Ghana Health Service for Eight (8) years where she served as a senior nutrition officer, community-based health planning and services coordinator and a quality improvement coach.​

Irene has a bachelor’s degree in public health nutrition from the University of Health and Allied Sciences (Ghana) and a master’s degree in International Public Health from the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine. She is an alumnus of the prestigious Chevening Scholars Program by the UK Government.​

I am an Orthopaedic Trauma Consultant at Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust and an Honorary Senior Lecturer at the University of Portsmouth, UK. I specialise in lower limb revision arthroplasty and am on the AO UK and international faculties.

When I took my Hippocratic oath a quote from Hippocrates hit a very deep cord: "I will respect the hard-won scientific gains of those physicians in whose steps I walk, and gladly share such knowledge as is mine with those who are to follow."

This inspired me to dedicate my career towards developing technology that makes an impactful change on teaching medicine globally. I invented Touch Surgery, the award-winning app that changed surgical teaching using smartphone technology and hence founded Digital Surgery Ltd.

I subsequently founded Amodisc Ltd, which is dedicated to not just delivering educational content, but to engaging the trainers, supporting them in creating content too. I graduated in London,UK, trained in Oxford and am a proud father of two.

Reason for participating in this course:
I hope to learn more about the needs and opportunities in global healthcare. I wish to meet with like-minded people who wish to make a difference in these environments with their innovations. I also wish to learn more about commercializing and developing a business that can have a lasting social impact.

Innovation: Amodisc
Amodisc is a company that facilitates the rapid expansion of the surgical workforce, creating a world where all trainees & trainers feel supported. Our clinically led and designed multimodal digital surgical training platform coupled with high fidelity, low cost innovative and engaging training programmes, positively impacts patient lives. Using a variety of modalities from smart devices to AR/VR, we help clinical staff master their profession and help countries unlock the potential within their populations to save lives, time, money and improve patient care around the world. The first pillar of delivering medical health is to deliver medical education.  It is the trainers that do that best.  Our goal is to give them the tools to facilitate this and to give the trainees free access to it.

María José García is a professional in Sociology and Political Science with a focus on International Relations. She has two postgraduate degrees. One in public policy design at FLACSO and another in Project Management at the University of Los Hemisferios. Furthermore, she has extensive experience in project management, cooperation, advocacy, leadership, and community relations. María has worked with various organizations, including the Vice Presidency of the Republic of Ecuador, the Municipality of Quito, and other NGO´s where she has led projects related to social responsibility, health, community development, and public policy. Her work has been recognized internationally, including a mention of honor in The Lancet for her contribution to the National Surgical Strengthening Plan in Ecuador. María is a proactive, creative, and passionate professional who is committed to creating solutions to complex development challenges.

Reasons of participating
The prospect of being part of a cohort dedicated to advancing quality surgical, anesthesia, obstetrics, and trauma care aligns perfectly with my passion and commitment to improving healthcare outcomes in Low- and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs).

Throughout my professional journey, I have been deeply involved in advocacy efforts aimed at driving policy and social change, particularly in the realm of surgical care. Serving as a leader in the design and implementation of the public policy for Surgical Strengthening in Ecuador has been a defining experience. Ecuador's success in becoming the first country in the region to achieve this milestone reflects not only my dedication but also the collaborative efforts of a committed team.

In addition to my local advocacy work, I have actively engaged in international forums to champion the cause of surgical care. Leading the call to action in various international spaces allowed me to amplify the urgency of prioritizing surgical care on a global scale. Furthermore, my advocacy efforts extended to regional platforms, where I successfully petitioned the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) to include the issue as a regional public policy. These experiences have honed my skills in navigating complex policy landscapes and mobilizing stakeholders for meaningful change.

My leadership experience extends beyond advocacy, encompassing roles where I have guided teams toward achieving common goals. Whether collaborating on the design of public policies or fostering interdisciplinary cooperation, I have consistently demonstrated the ability to lead with vision and inspire collective action.

Participating in the course presents a unique opportunity to further enhance my skills and broaden my understanding of global surgery. The comprehensive training on policy and advocacy from esteemed experts, coupled with year-round mentorship, will undoubtedly empower me to be a more effective advocate for surgical care. I am eager to leverage this knowledge and skill to implement impactful advocacy projects in my community, contributing to the broader goal of improving surgical care in LMICs.

I believe in the transformative power of advocacy, and I am committed to being a catalyst for positive change in surgical care. This course aligns with my values and aspirations, and I am excited about the prospect of joining a cohort of diverse and passionate experts. I am confident that the knowledge and expertise gained during the course will enable me to make a lasting impact on the prioritization of surgical care, both locally and globally.

Innovation: National surgical strengthening plan in Ecuador

On-going implementation project derivative from the Plan:

Title: “Cultural Birth Rooms in Non-Institutionalized Settings in the Ecuadorian Amazon: Empowering Communities Through Culturally Relevant Maternal and Neonatal Care”

Project Description: Building upon my experience in advocating for surgical strengthening and maternal health policies in Ecuador, I propose a comprehensive advocacy project that aligns with the national agenda for surgical care, accelerated reduction of maternal and neonatal mortality, and the promotion of sexual and reproductive health rights.

Project Objectives: The project aims to enhance the quality of care for non-institutionalized births and postpartum care, focusing on the unique needs, customs, and cultural traditions of the population in the Ecuadorian Amazon. Specifically, the project will involve designing specialized birthing infrastructure in 10 communities within the province of Orellana.

Key Components: Culturally Relevant Infrastructure Design: Collaborating with local communities and healthcare experts, the project will design and implement birthing spaces that align with cultural norms, ensuring a warm, welcoming, stimulating, and safe environment for the mother-child dyad.

Community Engagement and Empowerment: Establishing a close, collaborative relationship with the beneficiary communities is fundamental. The project will facilitate community involvement in the decision-making process, ensuring that the designed facilities reflect individual needs, customs, and specific cultural contexts. This approach fosters community empowerment, making the facilities integral parts of their daily lives.

Capacity Building: Implementing a comprehensive training program for local healthcare providers, traditional birth attendants, and community members on culturally competent maternal and neonatal care. This initiative will strengthen the existing healthcare workforce and promote sustainable practices within the communities.

Advocacy and Policy Integration: Leveraging the outcomes of the project to advocate for the integration of culturally relevant birthing infrastructure into national policies on surgical care, maternal health, and reproductive rights. This involves collaborating with policymakers and stakeholders to institutionalize best practices and ensure the long-term impact of the initiative.

Sarah van Hellenberg Hubar-Fisher is leading strategist and venture builder with 21 years of healthcare industry experience across global markets.

Her breadth of experience includes class III, PMA technology strategy and global market introduction, post-acquisition integration and operational turn arounds, drug device software combination technologies, digital solutions and business development related deals (+$40M), fund of fund investment, and public health/impact ventures and innovative financing mechanisms.

Sarah is an active board member for both public and private, for-profit and not-for-profit companies. She has been recognized as by InspiringFifty as a TopFifty Deep Tech Winner (2021) and amongst the top Notable Female Angel Investors in the Netherlands (2023). She was awarded the first-ever Corporate Entrepreneur accolade by Corporate Entrepreneurs, LLC. (2010), the Rising Star award by Global Corporate Venturing (2016), and served as the healthcare subgroup lead of the International Venture Club/TechTour from (2017-2021).

Sarah has a Master’s of Business Administration in Entrepreneurship from Babson College in Wellesley, MA and a post -graduate degree in Global Business from the University of Oxford in Oxford, UK. A New York City native, she is now a dual Dutch | American citizen based in Amsterdam.

Gnanaraj Jesudian is a Urologist & General Surgeon from CMC Vellore working in rural & remote areas for 4 decades helping with100000 surgical procedures and starting MIS in 71 rural hospitals. He won many innovations award is working on Gas Insufflation Less Laparoscopic Surgeries (listed in WHO compendium) and Laptop Cystoscopies. He has over 400 publications (with over 600 citations) and is the Secretary of the IFRS, Past President of ARSI and member of the board of Directors of the G 4 alliance.

Reason for participating in this course:
The reason for participation is to learn the skills of marketing and scaling up the innovations that we have learnt from the grassroot work during the last 4 decades and take Minimally invasive Surgeries [MIS] to the 90% of the operating rooms that do not have the facilities for MIS.

Innovation: Gas Insufflation Less Laparoscopic Surgeries Innovations
We developed the equipment and technology for Gas Insufflation Less Laparoscopic Surgeries that make Laparoscopic surgeries possible under Spinal Anaesthesia using Retractor for Abdominal Insufflation-less Surgery (RAIS) was developed by a collaborative multidisciplinary team of surgeons and engineers in the UK (University of Leeds) and India (Association of Rural Surgeons of India) for GILLS. We have performed over 2000 laparoscopic surgeries with this device and the earlier prototypes.

Our recent innovations the Laptop Cystoscope and Laptop Laparoscopes are landmark innovations that has the potential to reduce the investment necessary for conventional visualization system that requires the telescope, camera, monitor and light source to about one twentieth by doing away with these items replacing them with low – cost cameras and provide images that are like the expensive cameras. We are working with a company called Loresa and Delft University to get these products commercialised soon.

Dr. Abdullah Keles is a distinguished medical professional with a focus on Neurological Surgery. Born in Trabzon, Türkiye on October 5, 1991, Dr. Keles completed his medical education at Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul University, and further honed his expertise with research fellowships at prestigious institutions like Yale Neurogenetics Laboratories and the University of Wisconsin Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Center.

Currently serving as a Scientist I at the Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Dr. Keles has a rich background in clinical and research roles across Türkiye and the United States.

Dr. Keles is notably the Founder and Chair of the Madison Microneurosurgery Initiative, where he has significantly impacted global health by enhancing microneurosurgical skills in low- and middle-income countries. This initiative under his leadership has successfully equipped numerous healthcare centers with essential tools and knowledge, substantially improving surgical standards and patient care.

His academic achievements are marked by a strong involvement in conferences, lectures, and a substantial number of peer-reviewed publications. Dr. Keles is multilingual, fluent in English and Turkish, and possesses advanced skills in white matter dissection, microvascular anastomosis techniques, and nerve microanastomosis techniques. He also has a keen interest in global neurosurgery, neuroanatomy, neurogenetics, and medical cinematography.

Reason for participating in this course:
I am eager to join the Global Surgery Slingshot program as it complements the goals of the Madison Microneurosurgery Initiative (MMI), focusing on reducing neurosurgical care disparities in low- and middle-income countries. The program, led by Babson College's esteemed faculty, promises to sharpen my entrepreneurial skills and deepen my understanding of sustainable business models, crucial for MMI's self-funded efforts.

The Slingshot program will provide me with essential tools to evaluate and boost MMI’s social and commercial impact. It offers mentorship, networking with global surgery leaders, and potential collaborative opportunities, all vital for extending MMI's influence. Additionally, the program's focus on effective communication will improve my ability to articulate MMI's mission, attracting necessary support and funding.

With its practical approach, including engagement with Ministries of Health and potential financiers, the virtual program aligns well with my ongoing MMI commitments. It is poised to enhance my skills in handling the complexities of global health initiatives and is a significant step towards achieving MMI's global vision of improved neurosurgical training and healthcare equity.

Innovation: Madison Microneurosurgery Initiative
The Madison Microneurosurgery Initiative (MMI), launched in 2020, targets the shortage of microsurgical training in low- and middle-income countries. MMI has established 30 basic training centers across 19 countries, supplying 58 stereo microscopes, two surgical microscopes, and various instruments. It has hosted ten live-streamed and nine in-person microanastomosis courses in Lebanon, Paraguay, Türkiye, Bangladesh, Georgia, Azerbaijan, and Mexico, training over 150 surgical specialists, mainly neurosurgeons. As a self-funded entity, MMI is committed to providing medical professionals with the necessary skills and tools for advanced microsurgical techniques in resource-limited environments, thereby improving global clinical expertise in microneurosurgery.

My name is Sheku Dennis Massaquoi, MD, PGD, PGC, IVLP. 

Class of 2011, MB ChB, from the University Of Sierra Leone. I got my post graduate diploma in Diabetes from the University Of South Wales, United Kingdom, in 2022 ; a post graduate certificate in global leadership in health (Global Public Health Challenges) from the United States Department Of State Bureau Of Educational and Cultural Affairs, in 2022 ; and in September 19 2023 got my post graduate certificate in Trauma and Disaster Team Response from the Mc Gill University Health Centre – Centre for Global Surgery.  

For eight months, June 2012 to January 2013, I was the senior medical officer for a United Nations level -1 Hospital, leocoy-5, in Nyala Darfur, Sudan. 

For two years, 2009 to 2011, I was an Independent Monitor in Sierra Leone NIDS for the World Health Organization. 

For six weeks, July to August 2010, I was doing a hands on surgical practicing work at the Redemption Government Hospital in Monrovia, Liberia. 

For five weeks, November to December 2017, I was on a rotation at the Cardiothoracic Surgery Department at the Kobry El Kobba Military Hospital in Cairo, Egypt. 

For ten years now, 2014 to date, I have been working at the Surgery Department, 34 Military Hospital in Freetown, Sierra Leone, as a Practicing General Surgeon. 

In 2020, I was the lead Covid-19 surgeon in Sierra Leone and the first in the Continent of Africa to perform a successful life- saving surgery on a Covid-19 positive patient and ended up performing in total of five life-saving surgeries on Covid-19 positive patients. 

I am currently a member of the Consortium Of Universities For Global Health and also a current member of Accreditation Committee of the Medical and Dental Council of Sierra Leone for the period May 2023 to April 2026. 

Reason for participating in this course:
I currently reside in a country, Sierra Leone, of approximately eight million people with a ratio of three physicians per 100,000 individuals, the lowest density of medical doctors in West Africa, as of April 2020 statistics (https://www.statista.com) . 

In Sierra Leone, Physicians (per 1,000 people) was reported at 0.074 in 2018, according to the World Bank Collection of Development indicators, compiled from officially recognized sources. 

In addition to the above, there are no effective surgery delivery services and the number of individuals requiring surgery are so many, ranging from laparotomy, hernia repair, caesarean section, salpingectomy and other trauma related cases. 

There are about just 80 hospitals in the public and private sectors in the entire Sierra Leone. 

My reasons for participating in this course are;  

•  To develop innovative solution in solving some of these challenges and by extension contributing to Universal health coverage. 

• To learn the skills required in attracting like- minded individuals in supporting the venture in making the World a better place in relation to Global Surgery impact. 

Innovation: Establishment of Masaio Global Surgery Hub in Sierra Leone.
As a result of the increased number of individuals requiring surgical interventions in Sierra Leone and with the decreased number of surgeons and surgical centers in my country, Sierra Leone, my innovation is to set up a surgery hub in Sierra Leone that will be effective in doing most of these common surgeries at an affordable cost but with great impact in solving these challenges and at the same time contributing in Universal Health Coverage in Global Surgery Perspectives.   

Dr. John Nkrumah Mills trained at the Ghana Medical School and specialized as a General Surgeon with Fellowships in the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh, the West African College of Surgeons and then the Ghana College of Physicians and Surgeons and has just served as the President of the Ghana College of Physicians and Surgeons.

Has been involved in training and examination of doctors, both at the Undergraduate and Postgraduate levels as well as an instructor in the ATOM Course of the American College of Surgeons.

Worked as a Surgeon, then as Director of Health Services of the Volta River Authority and has been involved in surgical outreaches in Ghana for over thirty years. Currently he is Chairman of the Ghana National Surgical Obstetric and Anaesthesia Plan (NSOAP) of the Ministry of Health of Ghana.

I am the chairman of the Technical Working Group, a committee set up to work on the National Surgical Obstetric and Anesthetic Plan (NSOAP) for Ghana. The World Health Organization, WHO, had come up with a recommendation for nations to form such committees to study and make policies on improving access to surgical care, as part of the Universal Health Coverage. This is because a study had indicated that there were large deficits in access to surgical care universally. This committee was set up in the year 2020 by the Ministry of Health in Ghana. In the course of data gathering, we realized that laparoscopic surgery performance in Ghana is low and so we intend to boost its use as part of the recommendations we would make.

The barriers to laparoscopic surgery in Ghana include a perceived expensive nature of the procedure, availability of the needed equipment, its maintenance and surgeons with specific training to use it in surgery. The committee has realized that the advantages of laparoscopic surgery will have to be highlighted to various groups in the country in order to increase its adoption for surgery. The groups stretch from the Ministries of Health and Finance through to doctors and medical students and that requires an entrepreneurial approach.

Reason for participating in this course:
My reasons to join this course includes acquiring the entrepreneurial skill to achieve objectives in a defined environment and time as opposed to, what I am used to, making or applying policy which is open ended.

Innovation: Increasing Laparoscopic Surgery Use in Ghana
The innovation will bring various groups together to achieve the aim of increased use of laparoscopic surgery in Ghana. Education will be main tool.

For education of all the groups that will be involved, the Ghana College of Physicians and Surgeons will be the main agency.

The education will be for policy makers and funders of healthcare in Ghana like the Ministries of Health and Finance and hospital managements for all to see the need. Secondly all the health involved groups, biomedical engineers and technicians, doctors and nurses will be trained to see the advantages of laparoscopy. A final group will be clinical teams involved in service provision who will eventually be organized into associations for research and education in laparoscopic surgery to the standard of other international organizations.

Funding will include the government of Ghana through the Ministry of Health and Developmental partners in health.

Dr Anurag Mishra, a surgeon by profession working as Professor at Maulana Azad medical College. He  has an active interest in volunteering, public health and Research. 

Trained in prestigious Maulana Azad Medical College where he completed his MBBS and MS  before becoming fellow of American College of Surgeons, and Associations of Surgeons of India.

Currently he is deeply impressed by idea of multi-disciplinary collaboration and innovation to solve needs of healthcare. He, in 2022 founded Innovations in Global Surgery (www.surgicalinnovations.org) which brings together rural surgeons, academic surgeons, engineers, company people all on same stage to work in this regard.

Currently He is working in various health related areas with multiple diverse partners including WHO, Harvard Medical School-PGSSC, Leeds University, Royal College of Surgeons, Association of Surgeons of India, TU-Delft, IIT-D, IIT-M and many more.

Among other works he also Founded “Gurukool MAMC” with aim of motivating youngsters into volunteering and leadership.

• Through Gurukool they promote values like leadership, communication skill, humanitarian skills etc in medical students. Further details on www.gurukoomamc.in/ https://www.facebook.com/gurukoolmamc/
•    He established initiative “DOST”which is working of reducing mental stress and drug menace in campus of MAMC. https://www.facebook.com/dost.gurukool1/
• He is a forerunner in a unique program named “MASHAAL”which trains young doctors into leadership. The Program is recognised by American College of Surgeons (India Chapter).

His major area of interest is Rural Surgery. His aim is aligned to global aim to make safe and affordable surgery accessible to all. Following are some of his work as surgeon, volunteer and researcher

• Gasless Laproscopy: one of the foremost advocates of Gasless Laproscopy which can provide benefits of laproscopy in all corners of country.
• Low Cost Cystoscopy unit
• Low cost training simulations
• Association of Practice of front line workers
• Leadership  

Innovation: Gas Insufflation Less Surgery (GILLS)
It is well proven by existing evidence that laparoscopic surgery is beneficial in terms of faster recovery after surgery and low infection rate. However not all have access to this procedure especially in low resource and far flung areas, due to high recurring cost, non-availability of CO2, General Anaesthesia. In order to make laparoscopy available to all and especially rural India, Gasless Laparoscopy was introduced after validating with multiple research studies. This has potential to improve reach of laparoscopy to thousands of people in rural and remote areas.

Dr. Priyansh Nathani is a physician, writer, and public health researcher graduated from HBT Medical College and Dr R N Cooper Hospital, Mumbai. His unfettered passion and strong interests lie in global health issues, particularly in global surgery, sexual and human rights, strengthening healthcare systems in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), AI in medicine, Sustainable Development Goals, healthcare technology, and business development. Dr. Nathani has been actively involved and leading in several hyper-local, national, and international multidisciplinary non-profit organizations, political associations, and the corporate sector.

He is currently the Global Surgery program's coordinator and peer mentor at the World Health Organization (WHO) Collaborating Centre for research in surgical care delivery in LMICs India. He is also serving as a Global Health Consultant with The George Institute for Global Health, New Delhi. His contributions span multi-institutional collaborations with global academic institutions like Harvard Medical School, Karolinska Institute, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, and University of Oxford. In India, he contributes and leads projects through the ‘IndSurg’ consortium, integrating both academic and research naïve rural hospitals. Additionally, Dr. Nathani is a core team member of the Innovations in Global Surgery (IGS) international consortium which is developing an innovation ecosystem by bringing together rural and academic surgeons, engineers and investors. He has contributed as a research assistant at Harvard Radcliffe Institute for developing consensus recommendations for a research and implementation agenda for the crisis in LMIC blood deserts.

Dr. Nathani coordinates the multidisciplinary 'Thursday Truth Seekers' weekly research meetings for trans-national participants and provides mentorship in the ‘Guidance, Education, Networking and Empowerment-based Smart Initiative for Students’ (GENESIS) initiative, aimed at nurturing a research culture among students in developing research institutions.

Deeply conscious of neocolonialism's impact in global partnerships, his work focuses on resource-limited settings and promoting equity by addressing hierarchical, linguistic, and social barriers. The work areas have mainly been focused on surgical systems strengthening, universal health coverage compendium, surgical capacity indicators like volume and access to care, cancer, trauma care, surgical innovations, challenges in access to blood, surgical education, global health advocacy, implementation research, population level studies in barriers and enablers to care seeking including demographic and health surveys of India. Dr. Nathani's work output includes research communication, original research manuscripts, commentaries, consensus statements, systematic reviews and co-authoring book chapters, with a contribution to the Observer Research Foundation on the G20's role in global health.

Embracing V-shaped thinking, Dr. Nathani advocates for holistic, tailored problem-solving approaches and emphasises the inclusion of grassroots voices of patients and public in research and advocacy.

Reasons for Participating:
Dr. Priyansh Nathani's involvement in this program promises to significantly enhance his global surgery expertise. The programs focus on the ‘Entrepreneurial Thought & Action’ methodology will refine his skills, particularly in navigating global surgery's complexities. He plans to share the innovation, 'WHO’s Operative Care Course', and develop innovative models for its dissemination to surgical care providers worldwide, collaborating with academia, health ministries, district hospitals, and funders. This program aligns with his career goals, including developing business models, and innovative funding strategies. Networking with fellow global surgery innovators, Dr. Nathani is set to foster collaborative learning and form valuable partnerships, thereby amplifying the impact and scalability of cohort's initiatives in LMICs.

Innovation: WHO Collaborating Centre for research in Surgical care delivery in LMICs
The “WHO Operative Care Course: Surgical Care at the District Hospital," developed under the WHO Academy, is designed to meet the urgent need for emergency surgical and critical care in LMICs. This initiative closely aligns with the 76th World Health Assembly's 2023 resolution WHA 76.2, focusing on integrated emergency, critical, and operative care for universal health coverage and protection from health emergencies. Our approach involves creating skill stations that are easy to use and accessible, even in the most resource-limited settings. These stations are accompanied by effective assessment tools, allowing for the facilitation of task shifting and skill enhancement among a wide range of medical professionals, including surgeons, non-surgeon physicians, nurses, and technicians. This initiative is more than just a training program; it's a step towards democratising surgical education and empowering stakeholders to learn independently and effectively self-assess, thereby accelerating the capacity building of critical surgical skills where they are needed the most.

‘Aiming to Craft Global Surgery Futures in Solidarity, One Innovation at a Time, Ensuring No One is Left Behind’

Rebecca Salamone, MS is an emerging leader in the life science industry currently serving as the business development and commercial lead at Gel4Med, a Harvard-based biomaterials engineering startup that recently received FDA 510K clearance on their lead asset in wound care/tissue regeneration. Before joining Gel4Med, Rebecca served as a Consultant at Trinity Life Sciences where she supported clients in the pharma, biotech and medical device industries navigate challenging and complex business decisions. Rebecca holds her BA in Neuroscience from Boston University and her MS in Biomedical Sciences from Tufts University School of Medicine.

Reason for participating in this course:
I sought out the opportunity to be part of the Global Surgery Slingshot Program because I am eager to learn, grow and expand my knowledge in the life science and medical device markets. Receiving the opportunity to be part of an early-stage startup company has afforded me the opportunity to sit in a collaborative, leadership role very early in my career. As such, I am seeking avenues to learn and grow as a leader of an emerging company.

Innovation: Gel4Med, Inc.
Gel4Med, Inc, co-founded by Dr. Manav Mehta, out of the Harvard Innovation Labs seeks to revolutionize medicine by harnessing the power of synthetic biology to engineer smart biomaterials that can address some of the greatest challenges in medicine. Our vision is to be the global leader in biomaterials engineering, driving innovation and precision in the development of smart materials that serve diverse therapeutic needs, from regenerative medicine to medical devices. With our relentless pursuit of excellence and our passion for advancing healthcare, we aim to improve the quality of life for people around the world. Recently, Gel4Med, received FDA 510K clearance on their lead asset in wound care/tissue regeneration based on their Smart Materials Platform (SMP™) and plans to make the product commercially available in 2024.

Dr Simon Pierre is a medical doctor, with extensive clinical experience in remote areas. MEDSAR alumni member, served as coordinator in SCOPH committee and RVCP putting in place different community engagement and health promotion programs through NGO’s. Dr Simon is passionate about global surgery, research and orthopedics. Currently in Clinical Medicine Division at the University of Global Health Equity as a junior faculty and coordinator, he coordinates and participates in teaching of students during their clerkship in different hospital and participate in curricula development to ensure that students receive a comprehensive education that prepares them for their future careers. With the CEGS team he participates in different research aiming to contribute to equitable health delivery. His commitment to improving healthcare access for underserved communities is evident in all aspects of his work.

Dr. Vishnu Sunil is a scientist and bioentrepreneur developing life-saving technologies and ways to deliver these innovations with an aim to democratize healthcare. Dr. Sunil has a PhD in Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering from the National University of Singapore. He has been awarded several fellowships and grants including the Controlled Release Society PhD Thesis Award, Falling Walls Science Breakthrough of the Year, and Hello Tomorrow’s Deep tech Pioneer, for his work in the field of biomaterials. Outside of the lab, Dr. Sunil contributions in shaping and influencing policymaking around equitable access to new technologies and medicines, was recognized by St. Gallen as a Leader of Tomorrow.

Reason for participating in this course:
Our team is keen to interact with trauma surgeons and other KOLs in the surgical space. We aim to derive key insights from these conversations to help drive patient-centric product development. Furthermore, we hope to connect with other stakeholders in the US healthcare startup ecosystem such as investors, and corporate partners.

Innovation: First of its kind non-adherent, drug-free hemostatic device
We have developed a biodegradable and biocompatible hemostatic material that can adapted into various form factors to address different types of bleeding. Our unconventional approach enables rapid bleeding control for severe arterial bleeds with a significant reduction in blood loss compared to current gold standards.

Elizabeth Tune is an up and coming leader in global healthcare. Currently a Research Associate
for an expanding surgical simulation project based in London, she is working to address inequity
in global surgical care through an open-access education model aimed at training surgical
residents in the Global South.
A motivated and dedicated young professional, Elizabeth brings her background in early-stage
technology, science, and human behavior to address surgical disparities around the world. Her
passion for leveraging innovative solutions is instrumental in her efforts to bridge the gap in
surgical care.
Her commitment global care is reflected in her ongoing work, where she hopes to drive
impactful change and pave the way for a more inclusive and accessible healthcare landscape.
Elizabeth received her BA degree in Psychology from the University of California, Davis and is
based in Washington, D.C.

Reason to participate:
I am motivated to participate in Global Surgery Slingshot to connect with like-minded leaders in
the global surgery landscape. Engaging with colleagues in this dedicated setting will drive our
capacity to enhance the technical capabilities of surgical trainees in Nigeria, particularly in
minimally-invasive techniques, and to hone our open-access surgical education model. By
participating in the program, I hope to learn more the challenges and opportunities relevant to
surgical capacity strengthening, and work to find mutually beneficial and ethical solutions within
the greater global surgical community.

Innovation:
Our global surgery innovation is “Competency Training of Resident Surgeons in LMICS In Core
Laparoscopic Surgical Technical Skills Through Surgical Educational Intervention.”
Critical challenges in global surgery include the deficiency of resources, personnel, equipment,
funding, a lack of communication, and geographical challenges. Enhancing the surgical
capabilities of trainees in Nigeria through open-access education, particularly in minimally
invasive techniques, presents an opportunity to improve patient outcomes and build health
systems by increasing the availability of surgical care.
Our solution aims to train surgical personnel in Nigeria through a virtual open-access education
model using Professor Patel’s surgical simulation lab based in London. We hope that our
open-access surgical education platform contributes to sustainable surgical capacity
strengthening through personnel development in Nigeria to increase patient access to timely
and safe surgical care.

Dr. Tinsae Abera Worku is a dedicated Medical Doctor and Global Health Leader with a Master's in Global Health Delivery. With a deep passion for Global Surgery and a commitment to addressing healthcare disparities in resource-limited countries, Tinsae has been actively involved in various Global Surgery projects. Her expertise spans clinical work, education, gender equity, research, and advocacy, reflecting a holistic approach to improving outcomes at individual and community health levels. As a resident and service provider in a resource-limited setting, she understands the complexities of the surgical care system. Tinsae is driven by a belief in evidence-based policy-making, innovations, and advocacy to bridge knowledge and research gaps and champion health equity.

Reasons for Participating:
Tinsae is enthusiastic about participating in this course to further enhance her skills and knowledge in entrepreneurship and be at the forefront of the fight against inequity in Global Surgery. With the primary goal of implementing a transformative project, Tinsae seeks to leverage the insights gained during the fellowship to design and execute innovations in local surgical systems in Ethiopia. The course's collaborative nature, offering the opportunity to engage with seasoned professionals, aligns with her commitment to implementing tangible social impact projects. Additionally, she aims to gain insights into sustainable financing and business education to enhance her ability to make a lasting impact in Global Surgery.

Innovation: Global Surgery Lab for Local Empowerment (GSLE)
The Global Surgery Lab for Local Empowerment (GSLE) is a pioneering initiative proposed by Tinsae. GSLE aims to address the notable research-policy gap hindering surgical system strengthening in resource-limited countries, with a specific focus on Ethiopia. The lab will foster local capacity through training, projects, and publication support, empowering program leaders, care providers, and trainees. By amplifying local voices in Global Surgery, GSLE ensures research equity, advocates for evidence-based policies, and promotes customized solutions and innovations. The lab's comprehensive approach includes uncovering root causes, analyzing evidence, engaging stakeholders, and informing policies to transform healthcare paradigms, making it a pivotal force in bridging Global Health disparities.