Our year started on a very exciting note at Tenwek. Featuring new and age-old traditions. The inaugural Women in Surgery Weekend Retreat was held at the serene Sirville Lake Elementaita, bringing together five female consultants and eight female residents for a transformative experience. CURRENT PROGRAMS Mercy Mitei, MD Assistant Program Director, General Surgery Tenwek Hospital This landmark event provided a unique space for mentorship, reflection, and strategic goal-setting for the year ahead. Participants engaged in an insightful review of last year’s theme book, drawing valuable lessons to guide their professional and personal growth. The retreat fostered a strong sense of camaraderie and empowerment, reinforcing the vital role of women in the surgical field. With renewed motivation and clear objectives, attendees left inspired to make a lasting impact in their careers and the broader medical community.
The men were not left behind. They organized a challenging yet rewarding hike to the scenic Mount Longonot, combining physical endurance with deep intellectual and spiritual engagement. The invited speaker, Dr. Chege Macharia, CEO of Kijabe Hospital, led them in a session focused on the principles of godly parenting and financial stewardship, equipping the participants with wisdom for both their professional and personal lives. The breathtaking views of the crater symbolized the heights they aspire to reach in their roles as fathers, surgeons, and leaders.
The White Coat Ceremony held on the 5th of February, was a deeply moving and symbolic event, embodying both the honor and humility of the medical profession. Faculty members from General Surgery, Orthopaedic Surgery, Cardiothoracic Surgery, and Obstetrics/Gynecology followed the example of Jesus by washing the feet of their first-year residents, a powerful act of servant leadership. This gesture reminded the new doctors that true greatness lies in service to others. The ceremony also included a short sermon on the significance of foot washing, reinforcing the values of humility, compassion, and dedication. The highlight of the event was the moment the first-year residents received their official white coats, marking the beginning of their journey in medicine. Excitement filled the room as they embraced both the privilege and responsibility of their calling, inspired by the example set before them.
Mercy Mitei, MD Assistant Program Director, General Surgery Tenwek Hospital
