The University of Global Health Equity (UGHE) is proud to announce the launch of its first postgraduate residency program in General Surgery, marking an important milestone in our continued commitment to strengthening Africa’s surgical workforce and expanding access to high-quality care for underserved communities.

Reflecting on the launch, Dr. Mulugeta Tenna, Program Director of the General Surgery Residency Program, said: “For us, this program is ultimately about people—patients who need timely, safe surgical care, and young surgeons who want to serve their communities with skill and purpose. By aligning this residency with Rwanda’s 4×4 reform, we are investing in a generation of surgeons who will stay, lead, and care where the need is greatest.”

Delivered in partnership with the College of Surgeons of East, Central and Southern Africa (COSECSA), the program blends regional college standards with a university-based academic model that combines rigorous clinical training with leadership, research, and social accountability.

Commenting on the launch, Dr Anteneh Gadisa, Head of the Department of Surgery, said: “This residency is the result of a collective effort, and I sincerely thank all colleagues and partners who contributed to the inception, planning, curriculum development, and accreditation.”

The inaugural cohort includes five residents – two women and three men – all from Rwanda. Notably, three trainees are graduates of UGHE’s first MBBS/MGHD class, reflecting the strength of our educational pipeline and our commitment to training and retaining local surgical leaders.

Beyond strong clinical and surgical foundations, residents will receive structured training in surgical ethics and law, non-technical skills for surgeons (NOTSS), leadership and health systems strengthening, principles of medical education, research, quality improvement, and the introduction of transformative technologies. Learning is anchored in place-based education, with rotations in district and rural hospitals where surgical needs are greatest.

“This program reflects our belief that surgical training must be rooted in both excellence and equity,” said Prof. Abebe Bekele, Dean of Medicine. “We are committed to preparing surgeons who are not only technically competent, but also ethical, compassionate, and dedicated to serving those who need care the most.”

He added, “By combining COSECSA’s regional standards with UGHE’s academic environment and social mission, we aim to develop surgeons who can lead health systems, teach the next generation, and deliver safe, high-quality care across Rwanda and the continent.”

Through this new residency, UGHE hopes to contribute meaningfully to building a sustainable, locally trained surgical workforce and advancing equitable access to essential surgical services for all.