2023 COSECSA Women Scholars

The COSECSA Women Scholars Program supports female surgeons in attending the COSECSA annual meeting and covers educational expenses, including accreditation and fellowship examination costs. We are thrilled to spotlight the remarkable women who have been honored as the 2023 COSECSA Women Scholars. Their achievements not only exemplify surgical excellence but also underscore the ACS and AWS Foundation's ongoing commitment to fostering gender diversity in the surgical field.

Alpha Seifu Ali

Dr. Alpha Seifu Ali is an assistant professor of orthopedics and trauma surgery at Tikur Anbessa Specialized Teaching Hospital at Addis Ababa University. With a medical degree and specialty training from Addis Ababa University College of Health Sciences, Dr. Ali is deeply committed to improving surgical outcomes and preventing trauma-related death and disability. She is the founder of the Meklitish Initiative, which focuses on empowering Ethiopian women in medicine through mentorship. Her research spans trauma care, road safety, osteoporosis, and fragility fractures, contributing significantly to evidence-based policy development. In addition to her academic pursuits, Dr. Ali is an active volunteer medical educator and a dedicated member of both the Rotaract and Toastmasters communities. Her unwavering dedication aims to advance orthopedic trauma surgery and surgical care equity, not just in Ethiopia, but globally.

Corazone Adhiambo Deya

Dr. Corazone Adhiambo Deya is a surgical resident with an extensive understanding of modern surgical practices. Known for her dedication to patient comfort and wellness, Dr. Deya excels in maintaining detailed records and conducting research to enhance surgical service delivery. She is committed to improving patient quality of life through standard surgical procedures and diligent follow-ups, minimizing recovery time. Dr. Deya has been instrumental in transforming Equity Afya, Kisumu Health Centres, by converting strategic plans into actionable solutions. Her strong organizational skills and focus on continuous quality improvement have bolstered her leadership abilities and significantly improved healthcare management in the community. Looking ahead, Dr. Deya aims to leverage her medical expertise and people management skills to address societal health issues through dignified interventions and enhance the quality of primary healthcare.

Joyce Nyokabi Chege

Dr. Joyce Nyokabi Chege is a fifth-year COSECSA General Surgery resident at The Mater Misericordiae Hospital and a recent graduate with a master’s degree in Surgical Sciences from the University of Edinburgh. Her journey into medicine began during her high school community service activities, where she was captivated by the clinician's ability to swiftly diagnose and treat patients thereby transforming their lives. After earning her undergraduate degree from the University of Nairobi and completing electives in Rwanda, Dr. Chege recognized the urgent need for specialty surgeons, particularly in the face of the region's rising cancer burden. Committed to enhancing surgical care through timely interventions, especially for cancer patients, she also holds leadership roles within the surgical community, serving as the Surgical Society of Kenya residents' representative and chief resident of her program. Dr. Chege aspires to mentor the next generation of surgeons, drawing from her own rich experiences to guide them.

Julie Gathoni Ituku

Dr. Julie Gathoni Ituku is a general surgeon at Nyeri County Referral Hospital (NCRH) in Central Kenya and a graduate of the University of Nairobi. With experience in public healthcare facilities, Dr. Ituku has been a steadfast advocate for equitable, affordable, and quality surgical care, particularly for marginalized communities. She has organized surgical camps in partnership with pharmaceutical companies, reducing the backlog of patients awaiting elective surgeries. She served as chief resident in surgery during her residency, where she organized multidisciplinary tumor board meetings, now attended by more than 120 participants nationwide. Committed to mentorship and education, Dr. Ituku has trained healthcare professionals in Global Recognition and Assessment of the Sick Patient and Initial Treatment and basic surgical skills. An active member of the Surgical Society of Kenya, she serves on several committees and is the current vice secretary. Her research interests aim to provide local data for policy development, and she has a special focus on upper gastrointestinal malignancies. Dr. Ituku views the scholarship as a stepping stone toward her future career goals, further solidifying her commitment to improving surgical care in Kenya.

June Akumu Owino

Dr. June Akumu Owino is a general surgery fellow nearing the completion of her training at Tenwek Hospital. Born in Nakuru town and raised in a family that instilled in her the values of hard work and perseverance, Dr. Owino's journey into medicine was inspired by her love for the sciences. From her first anatomy class at Moi University, she knew that surgery was her calling, a field where her natural handiwork could shine. Her surgical training at Tenwek Hospital has been a transformative experience, where she has honed her skills under the mentorship of seasoned professionals. Dr. Owino values empathy, perseverance, kindness, and patience as much as surgical skill and sees a future full of promise and limitless opportunities, especially as a woman in surgery. This scholarship serves as a recognition of her dedication and a vital step in progressing toward her ambitious career goals.

Sifa Kanonge Vumiliya

Dr. Sifa Kanonge Vumilya, born in Lubumbashi, DR Congo, is a Congolese medical doctor and surgeon trainee with a rich professional background. Educated at the University of Lubumbashi, she holds a bachelor’s degree in medicine and surgery as well as a bachelor of science in human biology. Her career includes roles as an academic assistant at the University of Lubumbashi, a general medical doctor at First Quantum Minerals focusing on occupational health, and a senior medical officer with the Zambian Ministry of Health. She is currently advancing her surgical expertise in Ndola and takes pride in her COSECSA membership. Dr. Vumilya is driven by her passion for research and surgical excellence, balancing her professional endeavors with her personal commitments.

Sharon Kadeka Oginda

Dr. Sharon Kadeka Oginda is a consultant general surgeon and head of the Accident and Emergency Department at Kakamega County General Hospital. With a lifelong passion for science and biology, Dr. Oginda pursued her medical education at the University of Nairobi, where her love for surgery blossomed. She completed her master's training in general surgery at the same institution and has since been an advocate for quality surgical care. Her leadership acumen is evident in her roles as the head of her department, secretary of the Surgical Outcomes Committee for the Surgical Society of Kenya, and organizer of multidisciplinary team discussions at her hospital. Committed to mentorship, she actively supports residents in the COSECSA program and undergraduate students rotating in her unit. Dr. Oginda's patient-centered approach and ongoing quality research project underscore her dedication to holistic patient care, making her a deserving recipient of this prestigious scholarship.

Tinotenda Anna Masenda

Dr. Tinotenda Anna Masenda is a registrar in orthopaedics and trauma at Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals in Zimbabwe. Born and raised in the small town of Chinhoyi, Dr. Masenda completed her undergraduate studies at the University of Zimbabwe's College of Health Sciences and has been working in her current role since 2018. Committed to social responsibility, she has actively participated in surgical camps and outreach programs aimed at aiding underprivileged communities. Dr. Masenda's professional aspirations include completing her studies to become an orthopaedic surgeon specializing in trauma with the ultimate goal of opening her own orthopaedic hospital. Driven by the significant burden of trauma and musculoskeletal injuries in Zimbabwe, she aims to contribute meaningfully to her country's healthcare landscape. Furthermore, she is passionate about increasing the number of female surgeons in Zimbabwe, currently mentoring and encouraging female doctors to pursue surgical specialties.

Vivian Winnie Nkirote Shabaan

Dr. Vivian Shabaan is a senior surgical resident at Kiambu Level 5 Hospital in Kenya with a strong commitment to providing quality healthcare in resource-limited settings. As the chief resident for 3 years, she has played a pivotal role in the hospital's residency program. Dr. Shabaan's dedication to her patients transcends financial barriers, as she endeavors to offer compassionate care to all. Beyond her professional pursuits, she is a proud mother and strives to balance her demanding career with her responsibilities at home. Dr. Shabaan is passionate about her commitment to continuing her practice in challenging environments as well as her determination to further her skills and knowledge for the betterment of her patients and her community.