Ali Fazlollahi is an MDCM student and McGill Global Health Scholar supported by the Dr. Milan K. Sen Travel Award in Global Health Surgery. This summer, Ali worked on implementing a Trauma Registry and Novel Trauma Team Training Initiatives in Tanzania with Dr. Tarek Razek.
"As a global health scholar, I had the formative experience of working with the MUHC Centre for Global Surgery (CGS) and their partner, Muhimbili Orthopaedic Institute, in Tanzania. My project involved the piloting and evaluation of a novel trauma registry, known as Amber, in Dar es Salaam and Morogoro. I was responsible for introducing the system and testing its functionality for the first time in a local setting outside Canada with the goal of nurturing collaboration and enhancing Amber’s utility for the unique research priorities of a CGS partner.
I had always had a dream of serving communities from LMICs through medicine. This was greatly shaped by my experiences of growing up in Africa so being able to go back as a medical student was incredibly fulfilling. Although my project did not involve any clinical interventions, I could see how my work could have a big impact at the public health level. By working with the CGS and their local partner, I acquired valuable interpersonal skills and contextual knowledge that have enriched my medical training. This experience solidified my passion for global surgery and has motivated me to get more involved in helping LMICs build the capacity to provide high-quality care to their population.
I am thankful for the warm hospitality of Drs. Boniface and Munthali, grateful for the guidance of my supervisor Dr. Razek and the entire CGS team. I should also acknowledge the Undergraduate Global Health Scholars program at McGill for its steady support and outstanding training curriculum. Most notably, I would like to thank Dr. Milan K. Sen whose generosity supported this incredible opportunity."
From left to right: Dr. Respicious Boniface (site Principal Investigator and anesthesiologist), Ali Fazlollahi, Dr. Victoria Munthali (site supervisor and orthopedic surgeon).
Learn more about the McGill Global Health Scholars Undergraduate Program.
