“Wisdom at the source of the Blue Nile” is the official slogan of Bahir Dar University.

Our CSI team, along with our Ethiopian surgical partners, were recognized by the president of Bahir Dar University, Dr. Baylie, and his leadership team at a farewell celebration tonight. It was a great way to end an exciting, productive and collaborative surgical week in Ethiopia!

Our team performed 33 life-changing surgeries on children from the region.

Hands-on training for ENT surgeries and post-operative nursing took place each day. Four Ethiopian surgeons have new skills, confidence and wisdom to serve the needs of their local community.

CSI volunteer Dr. Woubeshet Ayenew led six cardiovascular lectures for Ethiopian medical residents and initiated a diagnostic technique for endoscopy and cardiac imagery that the local physicians had the equipment for, but not the training.

More than 60 patients were evaluated for various medical concerns in our ad-hoc outpatient clinic.

Thirty-one children are on a waiting list for screening at our upcoming trip in April 2018. We performed initial surgeries on some of these children this week, and they will require an additional procedure at that time.

CSI’s goal is to make a lasting impact in the communities we serve.

• Performing a transformational surgery affects one child’s life, their families’ life, and thus their community.
• Refining and teaching new pediatric skills to local surgeons, nurses, and anesthesiologists affects children, families and communities for years to come.

Link to photos here!

Thank you to our dedicated team!

Dr. Woubeshet Ayenew
Haley Bye, R.N.
Mary Bye, R.N.
John Chauss C.R.N.A.
Dr. Siva Chinnadurai
John Erlandson C.R.N.A.
Cindy Halverson
Sarah Hartnett, R.N
Evan Keil
Tammy Lester, R.N.
Dr. Saira Mitha
Nolan Morice
Jodi Pelkey, R.N.
Dr. Jon Robitschek
Megan Sparks
Dr. Dave Tetzlaff
Dr. Zipporah Wagathuya
Norie Wilson, R.N.