On September 3, 2024, the Association of Future African Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgeons (AFAC) conducted an impactful workshop at the University of Rwanda, Remera Campus. This hands-on event brought together 20 enthusiastic medical students and two highly skilled trainers, united in their mission to advance surgical excellence in Africa.
The workshop focused on foundational skills essential for aspiring surgeons, especially those in cardiothoracic and vascular surgery. Here, we take a closer look at the activities covered, the invaluable lessons learned, and their relevance in shaping Africa’s cardiothoracic and vascular surgical future.
Basic surgical skills encompass the fundamental techniques every surgeon must master. These include the proper use of surgical instruments, precision handling of tissues, and understanding the basic principles of wound care.
What Participants Learned
Students practiced using instruments such as scalpels, forceps, and retractors, honing their dexterity and precision under the guidance of experienced trainers. They learned to perform incisions, sutures, and wound closure techniques while maintaining patient safety.
In cardiothoracic and vascular surgery, where the margin for error is minimal, mastering these skills is vital. The ability to handle delicate tissues, such as blood vessels and cardiac structures, requires unparalleled precision, which this training reinforces.
Scrubbing is the aseptic technique used by surgeons to prepare for procedures. It involves cleaning hands and forearms to minimize the risk of infection during surgery.
What Participants Learned
Participants were introduced to the proper scrubbing technique, including the sequence, duration, and tools required. They practiced maintaining a sterile field and understood the critical importance of preventing surgical site infections.
Given the complexity and prolonged nature of cardiothoracic and vascular surgeries, maintaining sterility is paramount. Mastery of scrubbing reduces the risk of infections, ensuring better patient outcomes.
Surgical handwashing is a rigorous protocol for removing transient microorganisms and reducing resident flora on the skin before donning sterile gloves.
What Participants Learned
Medical students learned the step-by-step process of surgical handwashing, emphasizing thoroughness and consistency. They also explored the microbiological rationale behind each step.
Infections in cardiothoracic and vascular surgery can be life-threatening. Proper handwashing minimizes contamination, safeguarding patients during complex operations such as bypass grafts and heart valve repairs.
Surgical knot tying involves securing sutures to close wounds or ligate blood vessels. This skill requires precision, consistency, and adaptability to various surgical contexts.
What Participants Learned
Participants practiced tying secure knots, including square knots and surgeon’s knots, using different types of suture materials. Emphasis was placed on maintaining tension and accuracy.
In procedures involving the heart and blood vessels, secure knots are crucial to prevent complications such as bleeding or suture failure. Knot tying is a core competency for ensuring surgical success and patient safety.
Inspiring the Next Generation of Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgeons Surgeons
This workshop was more than a training session—it was a platform for inspiration and empowerment. By engaging with seasoned trainers and mastering foundational skills, participants gained confidence and a deeper appreciation for the discipline of surgery.
Such initiatives are pivotal in addressing Africa’s critical shortage of specialized surgeons. By equipping medical students with hands-on experience and fostering a passion for excellence, the AFAC is actively shaping a future where the continent is home to world-class cardiothoracic and vascular surgeons.
The AFAC workshop at the University of Rwanda exemplifies the transformative impact of investing in surgical training. By focusing on foundational skills, it not only prepares students for advanced specialties but also nurtures their aspirations to lead in the field.
Africa’s surgical future is bright, thanks to initiatives like this that build capacity, inspire innovation, and create a legacy of excellence. Let us continue to support and celebrate such endeavors as we pave the way for a healthier and more resilient continent.
Africa faces an acute shortage of cardiothoracic and vascular surgeons, with many countries having fewer than five specialists to serve millions of people. This gap results in limited access to life-saving procedures for conditions such as congenital heart defects, thoracic trauma, and vascular diseases, which are increasing due to the rise in non-communicable diseases across the continent.
The workshop conducted by the Association of Future African Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgeons (AFACVS) at the University of Rwanda on September 3, 2024, represents a vital step toward addressing these challenges. By focusing on foundational skills, this training initiative is building the capacity to close this care gap in several key ways.
1. Early Skill Development for Future Specialists
Workshops like the one held in Rwanda provide medical students with a unique opportunity to develop essential surgical skills at an early stage of their education. Mastery of basics like surgical handwashing, knot tying, and scrubbing instills confidence and forms the foundation for advanced training in specialized fields like cardiothoracic and vascular surgery.
Early exposure to these critical skills accelerates the readiness of medical students for residency and specialty training. This creates a steady pipeline of future surgeons who are better equipped to meet the continent’s growing demand for specialized care.
2. Retaining Talent Within the Continent
One of Africa’s greatest challenges in healthcare is the “brain drain,” where skilled professionals leave to pursue opportunities abroad due to limited local resources or training options. By offering hands-on training within Africa, the AFAC workshop strengthens local capacity and inspires students to build their careers within the continent.
Retaining trained surgeons in Africa ensures that local healthcare systems have the human resources needed to address the continent’s surgical burden. Additionally, these surgeons can mentor the next generation, creating a cycle of growth and sustainability.
3. Enhancing Access to Quality Care
Currently, the shortage of cardiothoracic and vascular surgeons forces many patients to travel long distances or wait months for surgery, often resulting in worsened conditions or avoidable deaths. By increasing the number of trained surgeons, initiatives like this workshop pave the way for better geographic distribution of surgical services.
Future surgeons trained through such workshops are more likely to serve in underserved regions, bringing care closer to communities that need it most. This directly improves health outcomes and reduces the burden on centralized urban hospitals.
4. Strengthening Healthcare Infrastructure
Training programs create a ripple effect that extends beyond individual participants. As more healthcare professionals are trained, hospitals and academic institutions are encouraged to invest in the infrastructure needed to support advanced surgical care, such as operating theaters, specialized equipment, and research facilities.
The AFAC workshop lays the groundwork for stronger healthcare systems by demonstrating the need and potential for cardiothoracic and vascular surgery programs in Africa. Over time, this could lead to the establishment of regional centers of excellence.
5. Fostering Innovation in Resource-Limited Settings
Africa’s healthcare systems often operate under resource constraints, requiring surgeons to innovate and adapt to deliver quality care. The hands-on nature of the AFAC workshop encourages participants to think creatively while adhering to best practices.
Surgeons trained in such settings are better equipped to design cost-effective solutions, such as using locally available materials for surgical tools or developing protocols suited to low-resource environments. This innovation can address Africa-specific challenges and inspire global advancements in surgical care.
6. Inspiring Leadership and Advocacy
Workshops like the one in Rwanda are not just about technical training—they are also about fostering leadership. Participants leave these sessions motivated to become advocates for improved surgical care in their countries, lobbying for policy changes and increased investment in healthcare.
Future leaders emerging from such programs can influence national healthcare strategies, pushing for the expansion of cardiothoracic and vascular surgery services and equitable access for all patients.
7. Creating a Collaborative Network of Surgeons
The AFAC workshop provides an opportunity for medical students and trainers to build lasting professional networks. These connections can lead to collaborative efforts in research, training, and patient care, fostering a sense of community among African surgeons.
A strong network of surgeons across Africa can facilitate knowledge sharing, joint surgical missions, and mentorship opportunities, ultimately enhancing the quality of care delivered continent-wide.
A Vision for the Future
The AFACVS workshop in Rwanda is more than an isolated event—it is a blueprint for scaling surgical training across the continent. By replicating such programs in other African countries and integrating them into medical curricula, Africa can cultivate a robust and self-reliant cadre of cardiothoracic and vascular surgeons.
Investing in these foundational training programs is a step toward closing the care gap, saving countless lives, and building a healthier, more resilient Africa. The success of this initiative demonstrates that with commitment, collaboration, and resources, Africa can rise to meet its healthcare challenges and inspire a global standard of excellence.
