Kenyan residents inspired by cutting-edge surgeries during fall elective

Third-year residents Donah Oeri and Diana Shehab-Williams spent some cold weeks in Toronto before returning to Kenya at the end of 2024 — but that didn’t dampen their enthusiasm for their experience.

The two residents from Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Eldoret, Kenya, were participating in the AMPATH-U of T partnership, a global health initiative that aims to improve reproductive health in Western Kenya through knowledge transfer with that country’s physicians. Oeri and Shehab-Williams were hosted by the department of obstetrics and gynaecology for a five-week elective starting in November, during which they visited hospital sites in Toronto, gained exposure to cutting-edge ob-gyn techniques and were instructed by physicians, residents, fellows and faculty members.

“Donah and Diana were keen participants in their elective,” says Kellie Murphy, a professor and the chair of the ob-gyn department. “They were excited by the opportunity to observe techniques and clinical practices unfamiliar to them, and are eager to implement them in Kenya as they grow into their careers — a great example of the AMPATH program’s impact.”

We caught up with Oeri and Shehab-Williams in the new year to ask about highlights of their elective and their impressions of Toronto.

What were some of the highlights of your medical learning during the six weeks?

Oeri:

I have learned so much in my rotations, both at the maternal-fetal medicine clinic at Mount Sinai Hospital, gynaecology clinic at Princess Margaret, as well as inpatient care at Toronto General.

A highlight was when I assisted in a minimally invasive gynaecologic surgery performed by Dr. Cristina Mitric. I saw firsthand how technology plays a great role in timely decision-making in the operating theatre, in this case by utilizing frozen section diagnosis to direct the extent of the procedure. It was eye-opening to experience extensive dissection via laparoscopy. I also had a novel experience observing robotics surgery performed by Dr. Nucelio Lemos.

Overall, the warm reception and inclusion by both teams made for a rich learning experience.

Shehab-Williams:

The wonderful team of residents and consultants at Mount Sinai were eager to teach me new obstetric surgical techniques unavailable back home, like the minimally invasive surgical procedures using robotics. It was minimally invasive surgery with a maximally rewarding knowledge outcome!

I have a passion for fetal medicine and the laparoscopic laser ablation procedure in a case of twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome was memorable and impressive, as performed by Dr. Tim Van Mieghem. I also learned new techniques in fetal scanning from fellow Dr. Simen Vergote.

On the maternal side, clinical sessions with consultants Drs. Kellie Murphy, Marina Vainder and Ifeyinwa Nwokoro introduced me to new learnings and helped build on my previous knowledge.

What’s one thing that will stay with you as you continue your career?

Oeri:

My time in Toronto has made me realize how minimally invasive surgery is the future of medicine. I was in awe that the extensive dissection done during gynaecologic surgeries can also be achieved via a minimally invasive route. These procedures are still in the inception phase where I work in Kenya, and it is my hope to train in them and help advocate for their use back home.

Shehab-Williams:

My time in Toronto emphasized to me the role of laparoscopy in staging future fetal medicine therapies. It helped to further focus my career interest in this surgical approach. One thing that will stay with me is the astonishing robotics surgery I observed.

How did you find Toronto as a city?

Oeri:

Toronto is a beautiful city! It can be cold, but the people were so welcoming and warm. Everyone was friendly and willing to help. I really enjoyed the old Distillery District.

I’m grateful to Dr. Rachel Spitzer and her family as well as Drs. Nan Okun and Kellie Murphy for their warm welcome, for hosting dinners and taking us around Toronto, as well as Dr. Mia Kibel, Joseph George, Gigi Lacanlale and Samantha Chin, who made us feel at home.

Shehab-Williams:

I will remember Toronto as a city with a well-planned environment, quiet neighborhoods and a modern architecture. Of the many tourist attractions, I thought Niagara Falls was breathtaking and refreshing. I also visited the smallest church in the world, which helped me to appreciate the saying that “dynamite comes in small packages.”

And oh! The wine tasting! It was invigorating to watch, making me marvel at people’s advanced sense of taste.

Thanks to Dr. Mia Kibel, who was very accommodating and took us out to experience the beautiful city. Thumbs up to Joe George and Dr. Rachel Spitzer, who took time out of their busy schedule to invite me over for meals as well as meet their amazing families.