Taking European clinical experience back to Ethiopia
In this article, Dr. Ibsa Daba (ET) reflects on his experience after receiving a European Urological Scholarship Programme (EUSP) grant during his final year of residency. The grant enabled him to visit AZ Klina Hospital in Belgium under the mentorship of renowned endourology specialist Dr. Vincent De Coninck (BE).
Author: Dr. Ibsa Daba, Ambo University, & Executive Committee member of Urology Society of Ethiopia (ET)
My passion for endourology and stone disease management, along with the challenges of urological cases I encountered as a general practitioner, led me to pursue a specialisation in urology in Ethiopia.
The immersive clinical visit experience organised by EUSP at AZ Klina Hospital in Belgium introduced me to cutting-edge techniques such as robotic-assisted surgeries, RIRS, ECSWL, and HoLEP, which I had not previously encountered during my residency in Ethiopia. The experience highlighted the efficacy of RIRS in treating urinary calculi and provided insights into using laser technology for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). The EAU's commitment to facilitating such clinical visits underscores its dedication to promoting global excellence in urology and fostering collaboration among medical professionals worldwide.
Currently, I serve as the sole urologist at Ambo University Referral Hospital, located approximately 130 km outside Ethiopia's capital. I established the first urology service and initiated endourology procedures in this setting. Stone disease remains a significant burden in Ethiopia, affecting individuals across diverse socio-economic backgrounds. By implementing evidence-based practices and adapting techniques learned abroad to local contexts, I strive to improve outcomes and alleviate suffering for my patients.
Beyond technical proficiency, my tenure at AZ Klina Hospital underscored the significance of comprehensive patient care. From initial consultation to post-operative follow-up, emphasis was placed on patient education, personalised treatment plans, and continuous monitoring. This holistic approach not only enhances treatment outcomes but also empowers patients to actively participate in their healthcare journey.
In addition to that, I have shared my experiences with the Urology Department at Addis Ababa University's Department of Surgery, inspiring many residents to pursue similar paths. Consequently, several residents from Addis Ababa University have applied for clinical visit scholarships at various EAU-certified hospitals. This year, three final-year residents have been awarded scholarships at different institutions.
I have recently been appointed as an executive committee member of the Urology Society of Ethiopia, focusing on external affairs and international relations. I collaborated with Dr. Vincent De Coninck and invited him as a guest speaker at the Urology Society of Ethiopia's Annual Meeting, where he shared insights on laser lithotripsy and stone metabolism.
In conclusion, my journey from Belgium to Ethiopia has been a transformative chapter in my professional life. As I continue to navigate the complexities of stone disease management in Ethiopia, I remain steadfast in my commitment to integrating international best practices with local realities, striving for excellence in every patient encounter. We enthusiastically welcome urologists from around the world to visit our setup and establish further collaborations.
