Non-governmental organisation, STEMi Makers of Africa, has partnered with the Research Institute against Digestive Cancer (IRCAD) Africa to train some selected secondary school students in Rwanda in basic medical and digital health skills.
The young students aspiring to be medical doctors and health workers were recently trained during a five-day summer medical camp programme held in Kigali, the capital of Rwanda.
Through the camp programme, the students were trained in basic things about medicine, mental health, digital health, and general well-being. They were also exposed to medical innovations, new technologies in healthcare, and robotic demonstrations.
Furthermore, the students were taught how to perform simple medical activities and procedures, such as identifying muscles, conducting basic vital signs checks, tying knots and suturing, and stopping bleeding. They also learned how to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and practised yoga and meditation. The participants were also exposed to medical simulation exercises, telehealth demonstrations, and virtual reality (VR) medical experiences.
The co-founder and Executive Director of STEMi Makers of Africa, Dr Amanda Obidike, noted that STEMi is one of the organisations in Africa that champions and advocates for STEM education for young people, especially for young girls and women, across Africa.
Commenting on the IRCAD medical camp programme, Dr Obidike stated that the training aligns with STEMi’s commitment to advancing science education and surgical skills, and also in promoting science, medicine and innovation in minimally-invasive surgery in Africa that will enhance the knowledge and quality of surgical care for an improved patient and community outcome.
“IRCAD Africa is poised to conduct training to thousands of surgeons in minimally invasive surgery every year, and STEMi Makers of Africa remains committed to medical innovation as it promotes access and equity in healthcare across Africa,” she said.
The acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of IRCAD Africa, Dr Michelle K. Smith, said that the summer programme was an investment in the next generation of African medical leaders, who this might be their first time of experiencing such real-life and practical medical exposures and seeing what a future in healthcare could look like.
“The student got a firsthand look at the groundbreaking work we do at IRCAD Africa in minimally invasive surgery, highlighted by a robotic surgery demonstration. The ripple effect of the camp could inspire lifelong careers in medicine across Africa with real potential to shape the future of healthcare,” Smith added.
Mugisha Fontaine, STEMi Makers of Africa’s Rwanda coordinator, stated that the essence of the IRCAD Africa’s camp programme aligns with their work in impacting young people across Africa with basic digital and STEM skills.
Fontaine added that the camp exercise would help instil confidence and competence in the students and encourage teamwork in surgical procedures. He further added that early exposure to medical hands-on techniques would encourage the students to gain confidence in their abilities.
“This training approach motivates and catches the students young, inspires them to pursue surgical specialities, and potentially reduces the burden on faculty for surgical skills training in the future,” Fontaine added.
Some of the participants said that the summer camp for future doctors assembled at IRCAD Africa was an eye-opening experience that reassured them that a career in medicine is the right path for them.
Uwacu Benise, one of the participants, said, “From learning advanced surgical techniques to engaging with passionate mentors, the experience deepened my interest and confidence in a medical career. It was an unforgettable experience that shaped our dreams for the future.”
