Research Day 2026 at AGC Tenwek Hospital offered a compelling picture of what can happen when rigorous training, mentorship, and mission-driven service are brought together in one academic community. Partially supported through a PAACS grant, the event created space for interns, residents, fellows, faculty, and multidisciplinary teams to present work shaped by the realities of caring for patients in our setting and by a shared commitment to improving that care to the glory of God. The result was not only a day of presentations, but a visible expression of a locally grounded research culture in which Tenwek collaborators are generating practical evidence to strengthen care, training, and health systems. In a faith-based institution, this kind of scholarship is more than an academic exercise. It is part of the work of stewarding resources wisely, serving patients faithfully, and seeking tangible ways to love our neighbors through better care.
The projects recognized this year reflected both scientific quality and practical importance. Dr. Violet Otoki, PAACS graduate and faculty member, was honored for the trauma registry project, a meaningful example of how carefully collected local data can inform better systems of care and strengthen surgical outcomes research. The perfusion team, led by Bob Groom and Philip Koech, was recognized for its simulation work, highlighting the value of innovation, skills development, and team-based learning
in strengthening complex clinical services. The People’s Choice Award went to an intern-led case report that captured the interest of attendees and demonstrated that even early-career clinicians are engaging seriously with scholarship and clinical reflection.
One of the most encouraging features of this year’s Research Day was the breadth of perspectives represented. Alongside outstanding clinical and surgical projects, presentations also addressed agroforestry, solar implementation, community health, artificial intelligence, and education. Additional work explored cardiac surgery sustainability, virtual multidisciplinary cancer care, triage implementation, infection prevention, and expanded access to specialty training in resource-limited settings. This diversity reflects the reality that meaningful improvement in patient outcomes depends not only on clinical excellence, but also on thoughtful engagement with the wider systems, resources, and communities that shape health. The range of topics on display showed a hospital community thinking broadly, working collaboratively, and asking questions that matter.
The day was also strengthened by the presence of engaged judges, whose thoughtful participation added energy, credibility, and encouragement. Their involvement helped create an atmosphere in which scholarly work was taken seriously and presenters at every level felt seen and supported. That spirit of encouragement remains essential to developing the next generation of surgeon-scholars, educators, and Christian leaders.
We celebrate the collaboration between PAACS and Tenwek that Research Day represents. PAACS’ support helps create opportunities for trainees and faculty not only to care for patients, but also to ask important questions, generate local evidence, and contribute meaningfully to the future of surgical care in Africa. Research Day 2026 made visible the kind of academic culture PAACS helps cultivate at Tenwek: grounded in service, strengthened by mentorship, and committed to generating knowledge that can improve care far beyond a single hospital.
Bob Parker, MD, MPH, FACS, FCS (ECSA)
Faculty Member, General Surgery
Tenwek Hospital, Kenya
