Surgeons in Kenya
Kenya produces only about 600 doctors per year studying both locally and internationally. Due to the costs and demands of the course, many enroll but few make it to the end without dropping out or retaking classes. This means that the country has even fewer surgeons.
To be a practicing surgeon in Kenya, one must have undergone the following:
- A first degree in internal Medicine and Surgery (MBchB) . The subjects involved in this 5 year program include many disciplines in internal medicine and surgery
- After earning the degree, one must then serve as an intern in a public hospital supervised by consultants for one year. This period is called residency
- On completion, the successful candidate may consider to work as a General practitioner or proceed to specialize (Master Degree) in any of the disciplines in internal medicine or surgery that he/she has a passion for.
- Must then be licensed by the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentist Board. Under Cap 253 Laws of Kenya, the Board regulates the practice of medicine and dentistry in the country, registers medical and dental students upon admission to a university, registers eligible medical and dental practitioners and maintain an up-to-date annual register of medical practitioners.
Additional membership
In addition, there exists the Surgical Society of Kenya, that has been in existence for more than 30 years now. The body champions the welfare of surgeons in the country and has a current membership of 300 surgeons throughout the country.
Surgeons can further form associations that cater for their different medical specialties. This includes the Kenya Orthopedic Association that helps in building their capacity. The Kenya Orthopedic Association meets annually.
Knowing your Surgeon
Because of the gravity of a surgical procedure, you need to be confident of the person in whose hands you are placing your life in. Whether it is someone you have been referred to by your family, friends or general physician, you must make sure that he/she is qualified.
- Ask she/she his membership in a professional association for doctors or surgeons.
- Ask about his/her experience in the procedure he/she is about to perform on you
- Ask if he/she has any additional certification in the specialized field he/she is practising
Professional Qualifications
Dr. Ezekiel Oburu is among the few, top orthopedic surgeons in Kenya and the region. He completed his Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery MBChB at the University of Nairobi November 1998 and then undertook his Masters degree in Medicine (Surgery) M.Med (Surg) at the University of Nairobi in 2004. He proceeded to Edinburg and received his membership in the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh (MRCSED) in 2006. This is a postgraduate diploma for surgeons in the UK and Ireland. Obtaining this qualification allows a doctor to become a member of one of the four surgical colleges in the UK and Ireland, namely the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh, the Royal College of Surgeons of England, the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow and the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland.
Dr. Oburu received the Fellowship of the Royal Colleges of Surgeons (FRCS),Teacher and Orthopedic, in Edinburg in 2011. This is a professional qualification to practice as a senior surgeon in Ireland or the United Kingdom.
He currently has his private practice at Fortis Suites, 1st Floor, Hospital Road, Upper Hill in Nairobi.