MSG consultant anaesthetist Dr Michelle Le Cheminant recently returned from a trip to Lusaka in Zambia, providing vital training to improve eye care for people around the world.
With the support of the MSG, Michelle has worked on six projects with eye care charity Orbis since 2017, sharing her knowledge with other doctors and specialists, hosting workshops and supporting surgeries.
Michelle said: “My return to Lusaka felt somewhat like coming home. When I landed at the airport, I was greeted by a sea of indigo, with the local jacaranda trees in full bloom. This was my first time seeing my Orbis family since pre-pandemic.”
She spent her first week of the project training medical staff at Lusaka University Teaching Hospital in peri-operative best practice and managing emergencies in general anaesthesia.
“Week two was focused on surgery, screening, anaesthesia fitness assessments and surgical days. On surgical days, we split into two locations and provided hands-on training for the whole theatre team in the local hospital and on board the Flying Eye Hospital.’
“It was fantastic to work with the lead anaesthetist for the Eye Hospital, Dr Henry Nchimunya, who was previously a trainee when I was last at this hospital. Under his direction, the Eye Hospital anaesthetic service has seen excellent improvement and development. I also had the opportunity to teach some incredibly motivated and inspiring trainee anaesthetic providers.
“It’s incredibly important to me to do these projects, and I feel responsible for passing on the skills and knowledge I’ve accumulated. I’m hoping, with support from the MSG, I can return to Mongolia to join an important project in 2024.”
The MSG is passionate about supporting consultants in philanthropic ventures that allow them to teach and upskill themselves while positively impacting patients worldwide.
MSG chairman Dr Steve Evans said: “We are proud to have a consultant as experienced and knowledgeable as Michelle to support in a vital project like this. She embodies the professionalism and dedication that all our consultants at MSG strive for. They take pride in their work and are eager to share their expertise with other professionals and patients around the world.”
