International Ophthalmologists Visit
Wake Forest University Eye Center
The Foundation of the American Academy of Ophthalmology partnered with several rotary clubs from districts around the nation to host five ophthalmologists from economically developing nations recently. The guest doctors, who are highly talented and carefully selected, spend two weeks in the United States with a full itinerary.
International guest ophthalmologists (seated, L to R) Kahaki Kimani, MD and Seth Wanye, MD pose with members of the Eye Center: Middle row – Kirk Huske; Ellen Sanders, MD; Michele Scott, MD; Kevin Swan, MD; Susan Burden, MD; Lisa McIntire, MD; Back row – Constance Stanton, MD; R. Grey Weaver, MD; Craig Greven, MD;Wesley Adams, MD, Patrick Laber, MD.
Their visits begin with an immersion into the professional, educational, cultural and social aspects within the local community of their sponsoring rotary club. They spend time at ophthalmology practices, medical centers, free clinics and in observing surgeries, meet with colleagues, and also give presentations to members of their rotary club about eye care services in their own countries. A variety of social and cultural activities are also planned so that they are sure to gain a flavor for life in the particular communities.
This year two of the five guest doctors visited the Wake Forest University Eye Center to observe procedures and practices of the large-scale teaching hospital. These were Seth Wanye, MD, who is from Ghana and hosted by the Rotary Club of Roanoke, Virginia, and Kahaki Kimani, MD who is from Kenya and hosted by the Rotary Club of Salem, Virginia.
“They are ambassadors for their countries to all the staff of the Eye Center” says Kirk Huske, who helps schedule and chaperone their visit. “We post maps in the Eye Center of their individual countries with arrows pointing out their regions, and encourage as much interaction as possible.”
The three other international guests this year were from Syria, Haiti and Bangladesh, and were hosted by the rotary clubs of Alamance County in Burlington, NC, Jacksonville, FL, and Richmond, VA, respectively. The Eye Center has participated in the host program each year since 2000, with a total of 18 guests from the two countries mentioned, as well as Poland, Russia, Brazil, Nigeria, India, Sierra Leone, Afghanistan, Peru, Zimbabwe, Pakistan, Yugoslavia and The Republic of Georgia.
“We learn from them also,” says Senior Resident Neal J. Peterson, MD, “and marvel at their challenged endurance when describing the complicated conditions in which many of them practice.” Those conditions could be lack of clean water and electricity, use of out-dated equipment, or old instruments that have been donated and reconditioned. Some of the visiting doctors point out that our ways of practicing medicine are “luxurious” to them.
The final aspect of the visit includes attendance at the annual meeting of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, which was held in Las Vegas in conjunction with the Asia Pacific Academy of Ophthalmology. While there, the doctors choose from a wide array of courses and symposia, learn about the latest ophthalmic technology and equipment, and make contact with representatives from the ophthalmic industry and with colleagues from around the world.
Dr. Solomon Guramtunhu of Harare, Zimbabwe is welcomed by Craig M. Greven, MD, Chairman, October 20, 2004.
The guest ophthalmologists return home with improved skills and knowledge for the benefit of their patients, and to share with others in their field. The also can continue to nurture the professional and personal relationships established during their stay to provide an avenue for growth in the future.
One comment about the experience from a participant was, “The program will help me not only change my practice of ophthalmology but also help me change the perception of my colleagues back at home about new surgical techniques, treatment methods and practice management skills.”
It is estimated that 90% of the 45 million people in the world who are blind, and of the 135 million who have severe visual impairment, live in developing countries, according to the World Health Organization. It is also estimated that 75% of these cases are preventable or curable. The figures are daunting and the outlook is grim as incidences are expected to increase in the years ahead unless efforts are intensified to reverse the trend.
Eye Center Director Craig M. Greven, MD comments about the program and the visiting doctors, “We have developed lasting bonds with the wonderful doctors from around the world. There is a reciprocal learning in that our medical students, residents and faculty learn as much from them as they do from us. And the internet has allowed us to strengthen and continue our friendships.”
