At Ohana One, we believe mentorship has the power to shape surgical careers, strengthen local capacity, and improve patient care. This spring, that commitment was reflected in a meaningful way when Dr. Biruk Bekele represented Ohana One at the 30th Annual General Meeting and Scientific Conference of the Surgical Society of Ethiopia.
Held in Addis Ababa in May 2026, the conference brought together surgeons, trainees, educators, and healthcare leaders from across Ethiopia to explore the integration of science and technology into surgical care. Through a conference support grant provided by Ohana One in recognition of his educational achievement and engagement within our mentorship community, Dr. Bekele was able to attend and share his experience as an Ohana One mentee.
Representing Ohana One alongside Dr. Gelila S. Kassa, Dr. Bekele spoke about how mentorship, technology, and collaboration have helped shape his surgical journey. He reflected on his experience learning under renowned pediatric surgeon Prof. Milind Chitnis and the role Ohana One has played in supporting that long-term mentorship relationship.
“Surgical education and mentorship have become deeply meaningful parts of my journey over the past few years,” Dr. Bekele shared. “Through Ohana One’s mentorship platform and technology, I have had the privilege of learning under Prof. Milind Chitnis, not only about surgery and operative skills, but also about leadership, compassion, humility, and what it truly means to become a great human being beyond the operating room.”
Over several years, Dr. Bekele and Prof. Chitnis have demonstrated the value of remote surgical training and technology-enabled collaboration across borders. Using Ohana One’s platform and smart-glass technology, they have engaged in surgical education, live-streamed procedures, case discussions, and ongoing professional development despite being separated by thousands of miles.
Their relationship reflects what makes Ohana One’s model distinctive. Mentorship is not confined to a single event or short-term experience. It is built through ongoing connection, shared learning, and a sustained commitment to helping surgical leaders grow both professionally and personally. This approach supports equitable access to educational resources while strengthening the knowledge and confidence of clinicians working in resource-constrained settings.
During his presentation, Dr. Bekele highlighted how mentorship relationships, collaboration, and technology can expand access to surgical education and create opportunities that might otherwise remain out of reach for many surgeons. His remarks underscored the importance of building systems that support year-round training, peer learning, and local capacity building.
“I am truly grateful for the opportunity to represent such an impactful organization,” he said. “This feels like the beginning of meaningful collaborations and future possibilities for global surgical mentorship and innovation.”
Dr. Bekele also expressed his appreciation to the Surgical Society of Ethiopia, and especially to Dr. Rahel Abebayehu Assefa, for the opportunity to share his experience with colleagues from across the country.
The presentation sparked important conversations about the future of surgical education and demonstrated how innovative mentorship models can help address workforce development challenges while fostering stronger international collaboration. It also offered a compelling example of how technology can bridge geographic distance and support sustainable learning over time.
As Ohana One continues to expand its global network of mentors and mentees, stories like Dr. Bekele’s remind us why this work matters. Every connection made through our platform has the potential to influence not only a surgeon’s professional path, but also the lives of the patients and families they serve throughout their career.
We are proud of Dr. Bekele and grateful for their dedication, leadership, and commitment to advancing surgical care through education and collaboration. Their story is a powerful reminder that when mentorship, technology, and opportunity come together, the impact extends far beyond borders.
Thank you, Dr. Bekele. You embody the heart of the Ohana One mission by helping create a future in which knowledge, mentorship, and surgical expertise can be shared anytime, anywhere.