The Pan-African Surgical Conference serves as a vital platform for healthcare professionals and policymakers to develop strategies to strengthen Africa’s surgical workforce and improve access to surgical care. Ohana One was honored to be part of this transformative event, leveraging our expertise, technology, and partnerships to advance surgical mentorship across the continent. Throughout the conference, Peter Ronoh, Ohana One’s Biomedical Engineer, Technical Support & African Field Coordinator, played a pivotal role in forging connections, introducing innovative surgical technology, and exploring new avenues for surgical education and mentorship.
One of the most significant collaborations solidified at the conference was with Dr. Ian Shyala, Rwanda’s first microsurgeon. His pioneering work in Plastic and Reconstructive Microsurgery at Rwanda Military Hospital is setting new standards for surgical care in the region. Ohana One is thrilled to collaborate with SHARE, a program of The Plastic Surgery Foundation, to support Dr. Shyala’s efforts by donating Smart Glasses equipped with TeleVU software. This technology enables real-time, hands-on mentorship, bridging surgical training gaps and expanding access to high-quality care.
Our outreach extended beyond Rwanda to Ethiopia, where Dr. Abraham Nigussie, a leading Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon, is spearheading efforts to build resilient and sustainable surgical services across the country. During the conference, Peter Ronoh engaged with Dr. Nigussie, who shared his ambitious vision of ensuring a surgeon in every district hospital. To help make this a reality, Ohana One donated Smart Glasses and the TeleVU RemoteVu portal, providing state-of-the-art telemedicine tools to enhance mentorship and surgical training for resident doctors.
Recognizing that empowering healthcare professionals at all levels is key to improving surgical outcomes, Ohana One also connected with Bunmi Lawal-Aiyedum from Abuja, Nigeria. Bunmi’s nonprofit organization provides essential support to children born with Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus, advocating for early intervention and better care. At the conference, she spoke passionately about the role of nurses in primary healthcare to support surgeons, reinforcing the need for stronger collaboration between frontline healthcare workers and surgical teams. Ohana One was honored to begin discussions on how we can collaborate to strengthen her impactful work, furthering our commitment to pediatric care and nursing empowerment.
The conference also provided an opportunity to witness the full-circle impact of mentorship within the Ohana One network. Dr. Pedro Santos, Ohana One’s African Education Coordinator and very first mentee surgeon, moderated the panel presentation on Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, covering Groin Flaps, Soft Tissue Defect Reconstruction, and Brachial Plexus Schwannoma. His journey from mentee to mentor is a true example of the ripple effect of mentorship—once guided by Dr. David Kulber, Ohana One’s co-founder, he now plays an active role in training the next generation of surgical pioneers across Africa.
Strengthening our partnerships in Rwanda, Peter Ronoh engaged with Col (Rtd) Dr. Charles, Head of Plastic Surgery at the Military Hospital in Rwanda. After witnessing a demonstration of the Ohana One Surgical Sight Program, Dr. Charles expressed strong interest in the technology and invited Peter back to present the program to Rwanda’s surgical leadership. This invitation underscores Ohana One’s growing influence in advancing surgical education and mentorship through technology.
Ohana One was also excited to connect with Dr. Rahel Kassa of Ethiopia, a dedicated surgeon focused on expanding access to cleft surgery. Dr. Peter Nthumba pledged to mentor Dr. Kassa through the Ohana One Surgical Sight Program. With the use of Smart Glasses, Dr. Kassa will receive real-time guidance and training, breaking down barriers for female surgeons and expanding opportunities for surgical mentorship across Africa.
A highlight of the conference was the hands-on training sessions led by Peter Ronoh, showcasing the Ohana One Surgical Sight Program in action. He worked closely with Dr. Rose Alenyo, her colleague Philbert, and Dr. Abdirahman, a resident from Somalia, demonstrating how to use Smart Glasses and TeleVU technology for remote surgical mentorship. Dr. Alenyo is now officially a part of the Ohana One Surgical Sight Program, furthering our mission to provide real-time, remote training to surgeons who need it most.
Beyond individual collaborations, building strong partnerships with global surgical leaders remains at the heart of Ohana One’s mission. At the conference, Peter Ronoh met with Dr. William Magee, Chief Medical Officer of Operation Smile, the event’s main sponsor. Dr. Magee, a close associate of Dr. David Kulber, was deeply interested in the Ohana One Surgical Sight Program and its ability to provide remote training and mentorship through Smart Glasses. These conversations set the stage for potential collaboration, expanding the reach of surgical education and mentorship beyond geographical borders.
The Pan-African Surgical Conference 2025 was a landmark event for Ohana One, strengthening our commitment to surgical mentorship, training, and innovation. Through strategic partnerships, groundbreaking technology, and hands-on mentorship, we are ensuring that the next generation of surgeons and healthcare professionals have the tools and support they need to deliver life-saving care. Our time in Kigali reinforced that collaboration and innovation are the keys to transforming surgical education in Africa, and we look forward to continuing this momentum in the years ahead.
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