Dr. Hartstein and Dr. Eshetu Discusses Global Ophthalmology in Ethiopia with Dr. Cat Burkat

The Oculofacial Podcast

About The Guests: - Dr. Morris Hartstein is an ophthalmologist and oculoplastic surgeon, and the founder of Operation Ethiopia, an NGO that provides eye care services in Ethiopia. He has been traveling to Ethiopia since 2014, helping build an extensive program in Gondar and Addis Ababa. - Dr. Seblewongel Eshetu is an oculoplastic surgeon from Ethiopia. She completed her fellowship in oculoplastics with Dr. Hartstein in Israel as part of Operation Ethiopia's Physician Training Program. Dr. Eshetu is currently working at St. Paul's Hospital in Addis Ababa, where she is the first female oculoplastic surgeon in the country.

Episode Summary:

Dr. Cat Burkat interviews Dr. Morris Hartstein who shares his journey of getting involved in global ophthalmology and oculoplastics in Ethiopia. He initially visited Ethiopia with his family on a volunteer trip and was inspired by the level of need and poverty he witnessed. Since then, he has been traveling to Ethiopia multiple times a year, providing eye care services, training residents and fellows, and organizing cataract surgery campaigns. Dr. Hartstein emphasizes the importance of building relationships, understanding the local culture, and going through proper government and medical channels to ensure the success and sustainability of global outreach programs.

At the conclusion of the episode, Dr. Cat Burkat interviews Dr. Seblewongel Eshetu, who shares her experience training in oculoplastics with Dr. Hartstein, which included training both in Israel and Ethiopia. She also describes the challenges she faces as an oculoplastic surgeon in Ethiopia and the importance of sharing surgical skills and knowledge between visiting surgical groups and local physicians. Dr. Eshetu emphasizes the need for advanced materials and instruments to treat patients in Ethiopia, where many cases present in advanced stages. She also highlights the impact of oculoplastic surgery on both patients and their families, as many travel from rural areas and face significant disruptions to their lives. Both Dr. Hartstein and Eshetu conclude by expressing their commitment to teaching and expanding oculoplastic surgery in Ethiopia.

Key Takeaways:

1. Global surgical trips should always respect local culture, traditions, and other providers.

2. Sustainable education and training are the ideal as this allows for local surgeons to continue optimal patient care.

3. Working in global oculoplastics must be properly approached with the government health department, local hospitals, NGOs to provide safe and effective outcomes.

4. Training in oculoplastics in Israel provided Dr. Eshetu with a different perspective and advanced surgical knowledge.

5. The transition back to Ethiopia was challenging due to differences in lighting, instruments, and materials.

6. Sharing surgical skills and knowledge with visiting surgical groups is crucial for advancing oculoplastic surgery in Ethiopia.

7. Access to advanced materials and instruments is essential for treating patients in Ethiopia and similar countries, where many cases present in advanced stages.

8. Oculofacial plastic surgery can have a significant impact on patients, who can then move forward in their daily lives and provide for their families.

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