University of Utah Center for Global Surgery

06/08/2026

Building colorectal surgery capacity through hands-on training and long-term partnership.

During a recent trip to Ghana, Lyen C. Huang, MD, MPH, FACS, FASCRS, and Gifty Kwakye, MD, worked directly with fellows Sandra Tsatsu and Philemon Kumassah through hands-on clinical teaching and advanced laparoscopic demonstrations at Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, including low anterior resection and TAMIS.

The team also led a one-day course on essential non-operative skills like communication, teamwork, leadership, and decision-making.

This work is part of a broader effort to build a self-sustaining colorectal surgery fellowship in Ghana, strengthen research and public health training, and support the development of a national colorectal cancer screening program.

Learn more about our global surgery work here: https://bit.ly/49CLjNa

03/20/2026

U Giving Day is almost here, but you can make an impact early! Your support can help bring life-saving surgical care to communities that need it most. ❤️

By supporting the University of Utah Health’s Center for Global Surgery Fund, you’re helping expand access to safe, affordable care across 22 countries, transforming lives and strengthening health systems where resources are limited.

Your gift will:
• Train local healthcare providers to perform critical procedures
• Sustain partnerships that create long-term impact
• Advance research and innovation for underserved regions

Together, we can move closer to a world where everyone has access to the care they deserve. Give today and make a lasting impact: https://bit.ly/40J5EeS

University of Utah Giving
University of Utah Department of Surgery
University of Utah Health

02/27/2026

This year’s Giving Day means something different to me. I have just returned from my annual educational trip to Kumasi, Ghana. I had the privilege of working alongside incredible local surgeons, trainees, nurses, and hospital teams. These people give everything they have, every day to care for their communities. I witnessed moments of triumph, and countless more moments where a little more training or a little more support could change the trajectory of an entire life.

That’s why I am asking you to mark your calendar for March 24th to 25th, 2026.

On giving day, your support for directly strengthens the partnerships and programs that makes these experiences and their impact possible. It means more surgical training, more research and ultimately more lives impacted!

02/08/2026

Dr. Brad Rockwell is participating in his 15th educational visit to the plastic surgery unit at Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital in Ghana. The OR or theatre as it is called in Ghana, was crowded on the first morning with faculty, residents, fellows, medical and nursing students.

02/08/2026

Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital in Kumasi, Ghana hosted the KATH-Utah International Breast Surgery Symposium. The photo shows a patient (concealed by the doctors) receiving preoperative markings for breast reconstruction following a mastectomy. A breast reduction will be performed on the uninvolved side, to create breast symmetry.

01/30/2026

Preliminary schedule for a week long breast cancer/ breast reconstruction symposium involving staff from Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital in Kumasi, Ghana and the University of Utah Division of Plastic Surgery.

01/12/2026

🎉 Congratulations to Dr. Huang, Dr. Kwabena, and medical student Oliva Hanson on the acceptance of their abstract for a poster presentation at the Consortium of Universities for Global Health (CUGH). Multilevel Determinants of F***l Immunochemical Test Uptake for Colorectal Cancer Screening in Ghana (A-1447)
 
This qualitative study examined multilevel factors influencing uptake and early implementation of f***l immunochemical test (FIT)–based colorectal cancer screening at a tertiary hospital in Ghana. The findings suggest FIT screening is feasible in Ghana and highlight key barriers and facilitators relevant to sustainable scale-up.  
 

09/05/2025

Congratulations to Edward Kofi Sutherland, DrPH, MD, MPH! As the Center for Global Surgery’s West Africa Site Director and faculty at Ensign Global University, Sutherland recently chaired the Oncology Forum at the 2025 China–West Africa Medical & Health Industry Summit & Expo in Accra, Ghana.

In recognition of his leadership, research, and contributions to advancing cancer care in the region, he was also honored among Ghana’s Top 10 Medical Experts.

This achievement highlights not only Sutherland’s professional impact but also the Center for Global Surgery’s ongoing commitment to strengthening surgical and healthcare capacity across West Africa.

06/05/2025

Nearly 20 years ago, a seemingly small connection between friends sparked an enduring partnership between the University of Utah and Mongolia—one that has grown into a global health initiative transforming healthcare systems to this day.

Led by Raymond Price, MD, FACS, this partnership has trained over 400 Mongolian doctors, introduced laparoscopic surgery to remote regions, and inspired generations of U surgeons and students.

In 2024, President Taylor Randall traveled to Mongolia to sign new memoranda of understanding (MOUs)—formal agreements to strengthen academic and healthcare collaboration—with national institutions. And in March 2025, the U hosted a Mongolian delegation, bridging healthcare, education, and even athletics.

This story reminds us: when institutions like ours engage with the world’s most pressing health needs, lives are changed—at home and abroad.

🔗 Read the full story HERE: https://www.global.utah.edu/stories/building-bridges-through-medicine/

University of Utah Department of Surgery

The Story Behind the U's Longstanding Health Partnership with Mongolia Nearly 20 years ago, a seemingly small connection between friends sparked an enduring partnership between...

05/12/2025

Upcoming Events for The Center for Global Surgery
Join us for two exciting events focused on global health research and the groundbreaking work being done in global surgical care:

1. Multidisciplinary Global Health Research Grand Rounds
Rainbow Clinics: Adapting Perinatal Loss Services in Kigali, Rwanda
Presented by Sarah Leisher, PhD, and Adolphe Karageya, MD, Mmed, MSCI
🗓️ Date: Wednesday, May 14
⏰ Time: Noon (MST)
💻 Format: Hybrid (In-person & Virtual)

2. Center for Global Surgery Highlights
Four speakers sharing the groundbreaking work being done in global surgical care
Keynote Speaker: Brad Rockwell, MD
🗓️ Date: Wednesday, May 28
⏰ Time: Noon (MST)
💻 Format: Zoom

For more info, contact [email protected]. Stay tuned for more updates!