Lusaka, Zambia Surgical Training Collaborative

In 2018, ACS H.O.P.E. joined forces with leading US hospital centers and the COSECSA to form a second surgical training hub in Lusaka, Zambia. This second site for the ACS-COSECSA Surgical Training Collaborative was selected after collecting a series of situational analysis surveys from 30 institutions within the region. The University Teaching Hospital (UTH) was ultimately selected due to the specific needs, existing infrastructure, and defined goals of the institution.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the hub started working in a purely virtual format, developing programs through Zoom meetings and eventually conducting a thorough needs assessment through Redcap. The survey revealed specific priority items for both UTH and Levy Mwanawasa trainees and faculty, including:

• Research support
• Quality improvement education
• Minimally invasive surgery
• Patient data collection and analysis

ACS H.O.P.E. continues to develop a global surgical hub in Lusaka where sustainable and mutually beneficial partnerships are at the forefront. Since its inception, there have been several notable achievements:

Post-COVID Site Visit in March 2022

As the COVID-19 pandemic waned and international travel became possible, ACS H.O.P.E. organized a site visit to the UTH and the University of Zambia (UNZA) to establish a stronger foundation for the hub through interactions with major stakeholders. Meetings were arranged with the UTH/UNZA surgery department leadership, UTH/UNZA faculty and trainees, UNZA and UTH leadership, Levy Mwanawasa Hospital leadership, and the National Heart Hospital leadership. ACS H.O.P.E. used these meetings to identify the priorities of the above stakeholders and define achievable goals for the hub through the end of 2022.

Research Trip in May 2022

In May 2022, Drs. Cassandra Villegas, Erin Scott, and Katherine Morris embarked on a successful research trip to Lusaka, Zambia, where the team engaged in a series of productive activities, including observing the Pediatric Unit, conducting a research workshop with residents, and meeting with key individuals including Dr. Nzala and the Dean of the Medical School. The research workshop was particularly successful with residents demonstrating an impressive knowledge base and expressing keen interest in further engagement.

The trip resulted in several key deliverables, including identifying potential pediatric projects, developing recorded synchronous lectures, and establishing virtual assistant mentorships. The team also explored opportunities for grant writing and discussed the potential of piloting a database. Research leads from both sides continue to engage through virtual events and programs. They look forward to planning more workshops and courses in the future.

Laparoscopic Trip in September 2022

In September 2022, Drs. Muriel Cleary, John Kelly, Laura Fischer, Shaneeta Johnson, and Olajumoke “Jummy” Akinsulire visited the Lusaka Surgical Training Collaborative on behalf of the Education, Research, and Clinical Care Workgroups.

The team focused on teaching minimally invasive surgery skills. Over five days, the team engaged with hospital faculty and residents, provided essential training equipment, and held educational sessions on laparoscopic surgeries. They also participated in daily rounds and research conferences and prepared for future research collaborations. The team plans to send an additional specialized team of physicians to further align with the UTH/UNZA’s priorities.