Program Description
Department of Anesthesiology
The Department of Anesthesiology of the University of Colorado is comprised of more than 75 nationally recognized anesthesiologists representing the anesthesia sub-specialties of critical care, cardiac, acute and chronic pain, neuroanesthesia, pediatric, and obstetrical anesthesia. Utilizing a medical direction model, approximately 90 CRNA/AAs are employed within the department. Within the past year, the UC Dept. of Anesthesiology reached top 10 status on the list of NIH funded departments. Opportunities to take part in basic science, clinical, and translational research have exploded.
As the Department continues to grow its footprint in the Rocky Mountain region and nationally, we look to broaden our exposure internationally as well. Within the residency program, there are 45 total CA-1 through CA-3 trainees. As discussed previously, trainees increasingly desire exposure to international service opportunities. Utilizing the department’s resources, we expect to generate impactful projects that will increase exposure and attract outside capital.
Site Locations
Mbale, Uganda
Located approximately 7 hours driving time from the capital city of Kampala, Mbale is the regional seat of Eastern Uganda. The citizens of Mbale are served by one governmental hospital, Mbale Regional Referral Hospital (MRRH) and several private hospitals. With a stated capacity of 300 beds and 3 operative theaters MRRH provides the vast majority of care to the regional population of approximately 3 million. Actual MRRH capacity however is far less due to lack of basic resources; mattresses, oxygen, water, electricity, medical supplies, etc.
Nearby to MRRH is situated CURE Children’s Hospital of Uganda. A privately-operated Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) based in the United States. CURE Uganda was founded in 2000 by pediatric neurosurgeon Dr. Benjamin Warf M.D. of Boston Children’s. This remarkable facility provides neurosurgical care, employing 2 of the 6 neurosurgeons currently working in Uganda, with international expertise in treating children suffering from hydrocephalus. Each year surgical volume averages >1000 cases, ranging from Endoscopic Third to posterior fossa craniotomies to spinal fixation. Patients are expected to pay for their services, though at a dramatically reduced rate with the remainder funded by the Ugandan central government and private donors. Anesthesia care is provided by two full-time Ugandan Anesthesiologists and several nurse anesthetists.
Coatepeque, Guatemala
Current anesthesia and surgical capacity in the region is severely limited both in terms of human resources and medical.
There are two mid-level anesthesia providers currently on-site working with the Trifinio Project.
Further evaluation of the suitability of this site for participation in the global health anesthesiology program will take place in January by the program director, Colby Simmons.