Since early October, I have been working at the Sengerema Designated District Hospital and the St. Clare Clinic in Mwanza. I am a fifth-year resident in trauma surgery and orthopedic surgery from Germany, and this year I am in Sengerema to work alongside Erik to improve care for trauma patients.

I am here with my husband Max, without whose support I could not have taken on this challenge. Fortunately, he can continue his studies online.

After a month of learning Swahili in Zanzibar, we are now busy working in this exciting and challenging place.

In addition to our daily tasks of caring for acute trauma patients, we also aim to provide advice and education to our colleagues and nurses here on orthopedic diseases and the treatment of trauma patients.

I was introduced to Erik through a colleague who worked with him in Sengerema years ago as a resident in "International Health and Tropical Medicine." After hearing a presentation of her work in sub-Saharan Africa, I knew I wanted to contribute my part to the healthcare of this vulnerable group of people.

We are grateful for the opportunity to help here.

I can’t believe how much time has passed since October. My Swahili skills have improved greatly, which has made communication between me and my patients much easier. The lessons I learned here during my training as a trauma surgeon are invaluable.

The times I have had to work without Erik or operate without him have been very challenging. Yet, I can now see how much I have learned from it, and I hope that I have made a positive change in the region in Erik’s absence and provided continuity in trauma care.

We have also implemented a course on the basic principles according to the Advanced Trauma Life Support standards, which is taught regularly. There is still so much to learn and give. We are very grateful for what we have been able to do and for the good times we have been able to spend with our patients and the local community.