With guidance from Dr. Girma Tefera, I traveled to Hawassa, Ethiopia to meet with the otolaryngologists providing care at Hawassa University. I was there from May 18-25, 2024.
Over the course of five days, I attended a half-day of clinic, made daily inpatient rounds, and performed a total of five surgeries for head and neck cancer. I also gave one lecture to the residents and students in surgery as a part of their morning report. The otolaryngologists and some of the surgery staff also attended this lecture. I gave an overview to the approach to a neck dissection, and, during the discussion following the lecture, we primarily talked about thyroid cancer.
The primary purpose of the trip was to learn about the system of care and the limitations that the otolaryngologists face in Hawassa. A group of three otolaryngologists have been tasked with starting a residency training program. There are currently only two programs in the country, graduating a total of seven new otolaryngologists per year. There is a tremendous need for additional training programs, but there are resource limitations currently facing the providers at Hawassa University.
On this trip, we were able to deliver essential equipment, including an operating laryngoscope and an otologic drill and console. This will substantially expand the list of procedures this group of otolaryngologists can perform in the operating room. We also developed a plan for how this equipment could be shared between the otolaryngologists and the surgical team that performs burr hole craniotomies for subdural hematoma evacuation. We identified equipment needs that would not only enhance the scope of practice for patients in Hawassa, but would also be essential to the development of a residency training program. Prior to my arrival, any patient needing a procedure that required this equipment would have had to be referred to the program in the capital Addis.
Overall, my time in Hawassa was divided between the operating room and the clinics, with a major focus on developing an understanding of the system of care and the limitations facing the otolaryngology providers. I look forward to partnering with the otolaryngology team in Hawassa in the future to assist in expanding their practice and assisting with the development of a residency training program.
Dr. Aaron Wieland is an Associate Professor in the Division of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery.