"What will you do if you aren't accepted to the residency program?"   Heath inquired of an aspiring young surgeon during recent interviews.

  

" I will apply again next year," says Jane* resolutely.

"Why surgery? Why wouldn't you try for a  different  specialty?"  probes Heath, knowing that during her rotations at Tenwek she has shown interest and enthusiasm toward several areas.

" I want to be a missionary, serving in a remote region of Kenya, and PAACS surgery will best prepare me for that goal,"  came Jane's quick and confident reply, clearly one she had already given much thought. 

Wow! And that is why we are here. Not just to BE the doctors in a low resourced area, but to TEACH and EQUIP and EMPOWER young African doctors who have a desire to serve those in need with their medical skills, and through that skillful care show the love of Jesus and further God's kingdom throughout Africa.  

But you see, Jane's attitude is just as counter-cultural in Africa as it would be in America, maybe even more so.  Most professionals here seek to further their training and careers with the goal of personal gain, to improve their own life and the lives of "their own" (be it their family, village, or tribe). There is so much need, and great pressure is put on young people to provide for their own people.  So for a young Kenyan doctor to seek out a demanding residency training with the goal of moving to a remote and needy place, without promise of a competitive salary or career advancement or approval of family and peers, simply to serve others in need, in the model of Jesus... well, that is amazing to us. 

Heath's favorite duty of the year as Program Director (well, maybe second to graduation!) is making the phone calls to the young surgeons-to-be, letting them know of their acceptance into the residency program.    

We have respect for these young doctors, and we feel honored to be a part of their journey.  For we feel confident that they will transform healthcare, and hearts and lives, throughout this continent!

Would you PARTNER with us to support young doctors like Jane as they train to become surgeons who will care for those in need in Africa?  The surgery residency costs are supported almost 100% by personal donations (this provides educational support and a stipend per resident), and we need more sponsors for our trainees. Consider donating to SUPPORT our ministry or donating to the SURGERY RESIDENCY fund. Both routes will get funds to where they need to go.  Sustainable donors (those who give each month) and one-time gifts are both useful.  Or would you like to sponsor an individual surgery resident by committing to their training costs each year?  If so, please respond to this email to talk with us more about this option.  

(*This was an actual conversation, but we changed Jane's name for her privacy.)

A surgery resident talking with a post-op patient

Heath teaching a resident during surgery