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Dr. Chabari (center) with the OGS Team

This summer, the º£½ÇÉçÇø welcomed Dr. Laban Chabari, a fourth-year General Surgery resident from Moi University in Kenya, for a six-week elective that bridged continents and deepened global surgical collaboration.

Hosted by the Office of Global Surgery, Dr. Chabari’s visit was made possible through the AMPATH Consortium (Academic Model Providing Access to Healthcare), a global partnership of 17 academic health centers across Canada, the U.S., and Europe working with institutions in Kenya, Ghana, Mexico, and Nepal. Philanthropic support came from the Einterz Global Health Education Fund at Indiana University.

Dr. Chabari’s path to surgery was shaped by his upbringing in a rural Kenyan community where access to healthcare often meant walking long distances. Witnessing the resilience of patients and the dedication of local healthcare workers inspired his pursuit of medicine and ultimately, surgery.

During his time in Alberta, Dr. Chabari rotated through General Surgery, Oncoplastic Breast Surgery, Hepatopancreatobiliary (HPB) Surgery, and Acute Care Emergency Surgery (ACES). The experience offered more than technical training—it provided a comparative lens into healthcare systems. He observed the prevalence of minimally invasive procedures in Canada, contrasting with Kenya’s reliance on open surgery. These insights sparked ideas for adapting advanced techniques in resource-limited settings.

Dr. Chabari was particularly inspired by Canada’s approach to oncology care, which emphasized early detection, multidisciplinary collaboration, and rapid recovery. He envisions expanding cancer screening and introducing minimally invasive treatments back home. The structured referral systems and integrated electronic health records in Alberta also highlighted the need for stronger health information infrastructure in Kenya.

Reflecting on the experience, Dr. Chabari said, “This experience has inspired me to strive for excellence and innovation in surgical practice while ensuring compassionate, high-quality care for all patients.”

Now back in Kenya, Dr. Chabari plans to advocate for the broader adoption of minimally invasive techniques and contribute to the development of national cancer screening and treatment programs.

His journey underscores the transformative power of international partnerships in shaping the future of global surgery—where shared knowledge and collaboration pave the way for better healthcare everywhere.