Creating a profound effect in Tanzania

By Dr. Priya Dave

My experience during our pediatric urology workshop in Tanzania with IVU was profoundly rewarding. Each day, our team performed complex surgeries on children with congenital and acquired urologic conditions while actively teaching local residents and surgeons. Our objective was not only to provide meaningful patient care but also to create a sustainable model by sharing practical skills and knowledge with current and future generations of urologists.

Working in a resource-limited setting was both humbling and enlightening. It underscored the stark contrast with the United States, where advanced technology and abundant medical supplies are readily available. The staff at Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Center demonstrated remarkable adaptability and ingenuity, often repurposing available resources to deliver high-quality care. Their innovative approaches under challenging circumstances prompted significant reflection on the vast magnitude of medical waste produced in the US. These exchanges prompted me to be more mindful in my own practice and underscored the value of flexibility and resilience in the face of challenges - reinforcing the idea that great medicine although bolstered by technology, is rooted in skill, teamwork, and dedication.

Beyond the operating room, the workshop provided valuable insights into global health disparities. Interactions with local healthcare professionals and patients highlighted the barriers and consequences of limited access to preventative care and the need for sustainable, culturally sensitive practices and medical education. These experiences deepened my understanding of the systemic issues affecting healthcare delivery in under-resourced communities, lessons that are also applicable to communities in the United States.

Furthermore, the human connections forged during this trip were invaluable. Witnessing the gratitude of families and the eagerness of local physicians to learn was incredibly fulfilling. Casual conversations over meals with our own team taught me not only about contributing to global healthcare, but also provided an abundance of laughs, advice, and an appreciation for the physicians who tirelessly dedicate their resources to making the world a better place.

This trip was a powerful reminder of the privilege we have as physicians and the responsibility we carry to share our knowledge beyond our own institutions. I left Tanzania with a renewed sense of purpose, a deeper awareness for the resources we often take for granted, and an admiration for the resilience and dedication of the local medical community. It was an experience that will shape my career and my perspective on global healthcare, and one that I am profoundly grateful to have had the opportunity to pursue due to the IVU scholarship.