CU Hand Surgery Expert Trains Plastic Surgeons in Tanzania

Dr. Mark Greyson of the University of Colorado is training Tanzanian surgeons in advanced plastic surgery techniques, addressing critical gaps in their capabilities. His trip, funded by the American Association for Hand Surgery, included hands-on training and the provision of essential equipment such as Doppler probes. Greyson aims to establish this initiative as an annual event to foster continued learning and international collaboration.

Dr. Mark Greyson, an assistant professor specializing in plastic and reconstructive surgery at the University of Colorado, recently conducted a training initiative at the Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre in Tanzania. His visit in November, supported by a grant from the American Association for Hand Surgery, aimed at enhancing the skills of local surgeons in advanced plastic surgery techniques.

During this mission, Dr. Greyson sought to assess the existing surgical workflow and specific needs of Tanzanian surgeons, noting, “It was kind of a fact-finding mission… We wanted to see what the needs were and how we could help.” He was accompanied by Dr. Caleb Barnhill, the chief resident in plastic surgery, both of whom focused on elevating the capabilities of local physicians through hands-on training and the provision of essential surgical equipment.

Recognizing the lack of resources for managing complex injuries in the region, Dr. Greyson highlighted a critical gap: “There’s hardly anyone in Tanzania, certainly in the region that we were in, who is able to take care of people with complex fractures with associated open wounds.” To address this, they established cadaver labs for local residents to learn advanced microsurgical techniques and provided critical equipment such as Doppler probes.

These Doppler probes are instrumental in locating blood vessels essential for performing reconstructive surgeries. Dr. Greyson emphasized the importance of this training: “I wanted to show their local surgeons how to use the Dopplers to help do reconstructive plastic surgery.” Furthermore, he identified ongoing training needs and intends to collaborate with additional institutions to ensure these gaps are filled.

Dr. Greyson aims to transform his mission into an annual initiative, thereby promoting a continuous exchange of surgical knowledge. He expressed his aspiration, stating, “I hope that visiting Tanzania regularly is going to inspire them to do more surgeries and help them do the right thing for their patients.” This initiative represents a significant step towards enhancing surgical care in Tanzania and fostering international surgical cooperation.

In conclusion, Dr. Mark Greyson’s initiative in Tanzania not only addresses immediate surgical training needs but also sets a foundation for ongoing collaboration and skill enhancement among local surgeons. By providing essential resources and training in advanced microsurgical techniques, Dr. Greyson’s efforts may substantially improve the surgical landscape in the region and inspire local professionals to elevate their practice for better patient care. The intention to make this an annual event underscores a commitment to sustained support and development in global healthcare.

Original Source: news.cuanschutz.edu