CU Surgeon Enhances Plastic Surgery Skills in Tanzania
Dr. Mark Greyson trained plastic surgeons in Tanzania, focusing on advanced hand surgery techniques and providing essential equipment funded by a grant from the American Association for Hand Surgery. The initiative aims to enhance local surgical practices and address significant healthcare needs, with plans for ongoing collaboration.
Dr. Mark Greyson, an assistant professor of plastic and reconstructive surgery at the University of Colorado, ventured to the Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre in Tanzania in November. He aimed to enhance the surgical skills of local plastic surgeons, focusing on advanced hand surgery techniques. This initiative was financed by a grant from the American Association for Hand Surgery.
Dr. Greyson described his trip as a “fact-finding mission,” having previously visited Tanzania as a medical student in 2012. He sought to understand the existing workflow and identify how he and his colleagues could provide effective support to local surgeons in addressing significant surgical needs.
Accompanying him was Dr. Caleb Barnhill, the chief resident in plastic surgery. Their goal included providing training and supplying essential equipment to improve surgical outcomes for complex fractures and open wounds. Dr. Greyson indicated that such capabilities are scarce in the region, particularly for performing complex reconstructive surgeries.
Through their collaboration, Greyson and Barnhill set up cadaver labs to teach local surgeons complex procedures, focusing on techniques relevant to microsurgery. Additionally, they introduced Doppler probes, crucial for locating blood vessels during surgeries. Dr. Greyson emphasized the importance of teaching local surgeons to utilize these tools effectively in reconstructive plastic surgery.
Furthermore, Dr. Greyson pinpointed additional training and equipment necessities, fostering connections with other institutions to address these gaps. He aspires to make the trip to Tanzania an annual endeavor, encouraging greater surgical practice and integration into the global surgery program at his institution. His commitment reflects a deep desire to inspire Tanzanian surgeons to expand their skills for the betterment of patient care.
Dr. Mark Greyson’s initiative to train plastic surgeons in Tanzania, highlighting the crucial need for advanced surgical skills and equipment, underscores the importance of international collaboration in the medical field. His efforts, supported by the American Association for Hand Surgery, not only aim to uplift local surgical practices but also to foster enduring relationships that can enhance healthcare outcomes in the region.
Original Source: news.cuanschutz.edu
