CHESA Education Spotlight: Joanna Haight’s Rotation at Makerere University

UCSF anesthesiology resident and CHESA member Dr. Joanna Haight learned about the Global Health Pathway during her residency interview day and was drawn to the opportunity to better understand practice in resource-limited settings. As part of her capstone, in January, Dr. Haight participated in a three-week residency elective with the Department of Anesthesia and Emergency Medicine at Makerere University in Kampala and one week with Operation Rainbow. Her faculty mentors at UCSF, including Clinical Assistant Professor of Anesthesia and CHESA Associate Director of Education Maytinee Lilaonitkul, facilitated the opportunity with support from CHESA Leadership Committee member and Head of the Anesthesia Department at Mulago Hospital Dr. Tonny Stone Luggya.

Before her visit, Dr. Haight obtained a Ugandan medical license to allow her to care for patients perioperatively. During her clinical rotation, she divided time between the adult and pediatric operating rooms at Mulago National Specialized Hospital, Mulago Specialized Women and Neonatal Hospital, and Kawempe National Referral Hospital. Additionally, she coordinated two teaching sessions with Makerere anesthesia and emergency medicine residents for case discussions about topics in anesthesia.

Dr. Haight commended the resilience, resourcefulness, and expertise that her Ugandan colleagues practice day in and day out despite their hospitals’ personnel and resource limitations. As Dr. Haight continues her residency, she acknowledges the confidence and skills she gained from working in a new setting with her esteemed colleagues. She hopes to promote and incorporate more sustainable tactics in her own practice of medicine as she saw possible from her Ugandan colleagues.

Upon reflecting on her experience, Dr. Haight shares, “I have a deep respect for the work that practicing anesthesiologists are doing to expand the number of physician providers [in Uganda]. Personally, I have a clearer path to participating in sustainable global health work in the future and am looking forward to returning to Uganda as an attending.”