Six years ago, Dr. Philip Blasto and Dr. John Kanyi began what seemed to be an audacious plan, to start their own surgical residency program at AIC Litein Hospital. They did not know exactly what they were getting themselves into but they knew that the PAACS training and love they received in the care of incredible mentors including Dr. Russ White, Dr. Carol Spears, Dr. Robert Parker and Dr. Andrea Parker during their own surgical residency program at Tenwek Hospital years before.
It was something they wanted, to pay forward the surgical training they had freely been given to the next generation of surgeons and hopefully the next group of trainers. So, it was a no brainer for them to bring in Dr. Valentine Mbithi as a third surgeon for Litein Hospital and a member of the program’s faculty in 2019 and officially beginning the residency program in 2020.
“I am thankful to have maintained the relationship with my teachers many years later, Dr. White and Dr. Spears who have honored us by being here. Interestingly I have never seen or heard Dr. White raise his voice to anyone whenever you made a mistake he would just take a big breath in and you knew you had sinned. I am grateful to Dr. Spears who not only taught but also opened up her home to many of us and became a mother.” Dr. Blasto acknowledged during the resident’s graduation in February.
Speaking after the graduation, Dr. Spears noted that the three faculty had indeed come full circle. “They have indeed blossomed from their residency years and to see each of them with their unique personalities. It makes me so proud and happy because I know they are training well-rounded residents.”
