Surgical Camp

Surgical Camp Visit to Gary Holmes Hospital in Uganda

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Paxton Alto, Communications Manager
2 minutes

Surgeons and anesthesiologists from the University of Minnesota, led by Drs. Greg Beilman and Jeff Chipman of the Department of Surgery, visited Gary Holmes Hospital in Uganda from November 14-30, 2024. While there, the staff evaluated more than 120 people and performed surgery on over 60 patients - one of which was an exciting first for Gary Holmes Hospital, wherein the team successfully performed the hospital's first laparoscopic cholecystectomy on a 30-year-old woman with gallbladder issues.

This visit also permitted further growth of our relationship with the Mulago Hospital surgery residency. Mulago surgical and anesthesia residents worked with our surgeons and anesthesiologists for the entire two-week period. Our pediatric surgeon Dr. Bob Acton also spent a day visiting Mulago Hospital and interacted with the Chief of Pediatric Surgery, Dr. Nasser, and surgery residents there. This work has benefited by the efforts of Dr. Todd Tuttle in his role as Vice-Chair of the Global Surgery & Disparities Program.

Finally, the team supported an observation experience for a Ugandan student strongly interested in medical school.

Since starting this work in 2017, the team has performed more than 200 procedures with our two Minnesota departments (Anesthesia and Surgery) and our friends at the Gary Holmes Hospital and Mulago Hospital. Many have contributed to this vital work in building surgical capacity in Uganda, including the following contributors and participants:
 

Contributors:

  • Gary Holmes
  • Minnesota Foundation
  • Tony Watson of Xenocor
  • University of Minnesota-Fairview
  • Heather Holman of Teleflex

Participants:

Minnesota Week 1

  • Jeff Chipman
  • Jennifer Rickard
  • Chris Behrens
  • Rahmi Nemri
  • Sean Nguyen
  • Julia Harrison

Minnesota Week 2

  • Greg Beilman
  • Ben Mattelich
  • Robert Acton
  • Patrick Murray
  • Julia Harrison

Gary Holmes Hospital

  • Peter Kiggundu: CEO
  • Charles Lugemwa
  • Dr. Francine
  • Nakyeyune Shakirah
  • Nabirye Gloria
  • Taliyiwula Sharon
  • Naisaza ZamZam
  • Anesthetist Alex
  • Nantume Sarah

Mulago Hospital/Makarere University

  • Kawesi Henry
  • Katantazi Abdulsalam
  • Kasagga Brian
Surgical Camp_Uganda


 Pictured (from left to right):

  • Dr. Kassaga Brian (Mulago Surgery Resident) and Patrick Murray, RN (Periop Director, East Bank)
  • Road Sign, Gary Holmes Hospital
  • Drs. Greg Beilman, Bob Acton, and Julia Harrison performing laparoscopic cholecystectomy at Gary Holmes Hospital