The Power of Partnership: Global Brain Surgery Initiative in Ghana
Imagine standing in an operating room, the air thick with anticipation, as a team of neurosurgeons prepares to perform life-saving procedures. This was my reality during a recent neurosurgery observership in Ghana, organized by the Global Brain Surgery Initiative (GBI). I had seen and manipulated human brains during my neuroanatomy dissection but this observership was nothing short of transformative. It not only deepened my understanding of neurosurgical procedures but also underscored the critical role of international collaboration in advancing global healthcare.
Global Brain Surgery Initiative in Ghana | Source: Author
The GBI, co-founded by Walter Jean, MD, Hasan Syed, MD, and Daniel Roque Felbaum, MD, aims to bring surgical expertise to underserved regions, addressing disparities in neurosurgical care worldwide. Their mission is particularly vital in countries like Ghana, where cerebrovascular diseases (CVDs) pose a significant health challenge. CVDs, which include conditions such as stroke, carotid stenosis, intracranial stenosis, aneurysms, and vascular malformations, require careful monitoring and timely intervention to prevent permanent deficits.
Ghana faces significant challenges in providing accessible, quality cerebrovascular care. With a limited neurosurgical workforce—only a handful of neurosurgeons serving a population of over 31 million—the country struggles to meet the demand for specialized care. The scarcity of experienced nurses in neurosurgery further exacerbates the problem, as does the lack of qualified neurointensivists and anesthesiologists. Inadequate infrastructure, including limited ICU beds, diagnostic equipment, and operating room facilities, hinders effective care. The high and rising burden of stroke among young Africans, as revealed by the SIREN study, underscores the urgency of addressing these issues. The paucity of data on the current burden, incidence, and mortality of stroke in Ghana compounds these challenges, making it difficult to implement targeted interventions.
Despite these obstacles, initiatives like the GBI are making a difference. Observing GBI’s neurosurgeons in action revealed the critical elements of successful neurosurgical care. Interdisciplinary teamwork was paramount, with seamless communication between neurosurgeons, anesthesiologists, nurses, and support staff ensuring optimal patient outcomes. Patient-centered care was another cornerstone, with the team prioritizing individual needs, empathetic communication, and holistic support. Risk management was meticulously handled, with surgeons weighing benefits against potential complications and employing proactive strategies to mitigate risks.
My observership experience reinforced the importance of global collaboration, mentorship, and hands-on learning in shaping the next generation of healthcare professionals. The GBI’s pioneering work exemplifies the impact of collective effort in advancing neurosurgical care worldwide. As we strive for excellence in global healthcare, several priorities must be addressed.
First, capacity building is essential. Raising the standards of the neurosurgery team holistically must be a part of any endeavor to improve neurosurgical care standards. This includes not only training more neurosurgeons but also ensuring that nurses, neurointensivists, and anesthesiologists are adequately prepared to support complex surgical procedures.
Second, bridging the data gap is crucial. Establishing comprehensive data on the current burden, incidence, and mortality of stroke in Ghana can guide decision-making and help implement effective interventions to curb the stroke burden. Accurate data is the foundation of any successful public health strategy.
Continuous education is another key priority. Staying updated on best practices and innovative techniques is vital for healthcare professionals to provide the best possible care. On this point, I am particularly thankful for Dr. Teddy Totimeh who encouraged me and my classmates to participate in this event. This observership marked the second time that he was offering us such an opportunity after he involved us in the International Society of Pediatric Neurosurgery course. These opportunities have helped me contextualize what I learn in class and have helped me better appreciate the soft skills needed to be an exceptional surgeon.
“This observership has not only shaped my medical education but also solidified my commitment to addressing healthcare disparities and improving neurosurgical care in Ghana and beyond.”
Finally, aggressive risk factor control through public health measures is necessary to reduce the incidence of cerebrovascular diseases. Primary healthcare is the backbone of our health system and our investment in this domain must reflect its importance. This said, I commit to participating in public health campaigns aimed at controlling hypertension, diabetes, and other risk factors. I hope that young medical professionals like me will make the same commitment.
I am grateful for this enriching experience and committed to carrying these lessons forward. The GBI has shown that through dedication, collaboration, and a shared vision, we can bridge the gap in global neurosurgical care and improve health outcomes for millions. As a future healthcare professional, I am inspired to contribute to this mission and advocate for equitable access to quality neurosurgical care worldwide. This observership has not only shaped my medical education but also solidified my commitment to addressing healthcare disparities and improving neurosurgical care in Ghana and beyond.
