Global Colorectal Surgery Education Initiative

Program Overview

The Global Colorectal Surgery Education Initiative is the result of a collaborative effort involving the University of Michigan, the Ghana College of Physicians and Surgeons, and the Ghana's major teaching hospitals, along with partner US institutions in Utah, Minnesota, and Arkansas. This program provides an extensive clinical exposure, complemented by conferences and didactic instruction, aiming to cultivate well-rounded colon and rectal surgeons with clinical proficiency in managing lower gastrointestinal diseases.

At its core, the initiative aims to elevate colon and rectal surgery specialists to the highest standards, equipping them to deliver safe and top-tier care independently. The program's carefully crafted structure ensures that an ample number of colorectal surgeons are trained, addressing the national healthcare needs across all levels.

“The idea is to de-centralize the training. Instead of housing it within a specific hospital, which has traditionally been the approach, the fellowship is designed to have trainees rotate at different sites. We can leverage the resources and teaching opportunities within the different hospitals, while also improving capacity in other services required to support a colorectal practice.”

Dr. Gifty Kwakye

Mission & Aims

The purpose of Global Colorectal Surgery Education Initiative is to support the development and advancement of colorectal surgery training in Ghana and other regions in need, with the aim of reducing morbidity and mortality associated with colorectal disorders in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). This includes providing funding for training requirements and quality improvement initiatives.

Additional aims include:

Excellence in Patient Care: Dedicated to achieving excellence in the care of patients with colorectal disease, our program focuses on leveraging available resources to better deliver exceptional and comprehensive healthcare services.
Educational Goal: Our aim is to educate the next generation of colon and rectal surgeons, providing them with the latest medical knowledge for a thorough understanding, detection, treatment, and prevention of colorectal disease. We strive to equip future surgeons with the most current and effective approaches to patient care.
Research & Discovery Objective: Committed to fostering a culture of research and discovery, our program aims to support impactful research endeavors, cultivating future leaders in the field. This contributes to advancements that enhance the overall quality of care for patients in LMIC settings.