Huge thanks to Dr Risto Todorov, an orthopaedic surgeon from North Macedonia, for volunteering at the Haramaya University Hiwot Fana Comprehensive Specialized Hospital.

Over 10 days, Risto assisted with 7 major surgeries; attended daily clinic consultations and ward rounds; and provided training to 12 orthopaedic trainees and surgeons, through on the job training and six formal presentations.

Risto was joined in Harar by Eyerusalem Amanu and Wondimagegn Tilahun, Ethiopian nurse training specialists from the Black Lion Hospital in Addis Ababa, who presented Perioperative Orthopaedic Nursing Inservice Training.  19 nurses (6F, 13M) attended the 5 days of training which included classroom presentations, and hands on training during surgeries, ward rounds and patient reviews.  The hospital and trainee feedback was very positive and further training has been requested.

Dr Moa Chali, Harar Orthopaedic Surgeon said, “The training provided in November by Dr Risto Todorov and the ORP team (Jerry and Wonde) was an excellent and highly impactful experience for our department. Dr Risto’s clinical teaching greatly strengthened our surgical practice, while the nurses’ ORP training significantly improved operating room cleanliness and overall OR environment, especially benefiting our newly rotated nurses.”