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Campaign 52 is a humanitarian mission where volunteer colorectal surgeons traveled to Kenya, Africa, to assist healthcare colleagues in treating women with obstetrical fistulas, colorectal cancer, and other conditions. This multinational effort aimed to restore dignity, hope, and better futures to one woman for each week of the year, inspiring the name Campaign 52. This admirable international collaboration, held from April 13-23, 2024, brought together leading colorectal surgeons and gynecologists from around the world to share expertise and perform surgeries, particularly in a region where access to specialized care, tools and resources is limited. 

The collaboration included volunteer surgeons from the United States, United Arab Emirates, Taiwan, Kenya, Somalia, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Dr. Tracy Hull, Dr. Anna Spivak, and Dr. Wissam Halabi represent the American contingent of colorectal surgeons, while Dr. Maher Abbas brings expertise from Dubai. From Taiwan, Dr. Chucheep Sahakitrungruang and Dr. Arun Rojanasakul contribute their specialized knowledge. On the gynecological front, the team was led by Dr. Hillary Mabeya, head of Gynocare hospital in Kenya, along with several local practicing fistula surgeons and trainees. Dr. Cloud Crosby, a gynecologic oncology fellow from the USA, and Dr. Khaled Kouteich from Dubai also lent their expertise. This diverse group of specialists was joined by anesthesiologists from Dubai and Taiwan, ensuring comprehensive perioperative care for patients undergoing complex procedures. 

By day 4 of the campaign, the team had already surpassed their goal of 52 cases and went on to complete 90 cases in one week. 

Campaign 52 is already planning to return to Kenya for a 2025 program. 
 
 
 









 

ASCRS Member Dr. Alexander Hawkins, a colorectal surgeon and Assistant Professor of Surgery at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, recently represented the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons (ASCRS) as the traveling fellow at the Association of Coloproctology of Great Britain and Ireland (ACPGBI) Annual Meeting. 

During the conference, Dr. Hawkins delivered a presentation titled "Decision Making in Diverticulitis: Adding Science to Art," sharing his expertise with international colleagues in the field of colorectal surgery. 

The Traveling Fellow program, organized by ASCRS, aims to strengthen relationships between international partners in the colorectal specialty. This initiative seeks to expand knowledge and broaden educational opportunities for surgeons worldwide, ultimately improving patient care on a global scale. 

In a reciprocal exchange, the ASCRS International Committee offers several international travel awards for surgeons to attend the ASCRS Annual Scientific Meeting. This year, Dr. Elaine Burns attended the 2024 ASCRS Annual Scientific Meeting in Baltimore, MD as a traveling fellow, furthering the goal of international collaboration. 


Dr. Hawkins took the opportunity to connect with Dr. Burns while in Wales, capturing a moment that symbolizes the growing network of international expertise in the specialty.  


These exchanges between ASCRS and ACPGBI highlight the ongoing efforts to foster global cooperation and knowledge sharing in colorectal surgery, benefiting both medical professionals and  patients alike.



















 

Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC) recently hosted a distinguished international visitor as part of an initiative to enhance colorectal care in East Africa. Dr. Ayesiga Herman, a colorectal surgeon at Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre (KCMC) in Moshi, Tanzania, spent February and March at VUMC on a National Cancer Institute (NCI) grant. 

The primary objective of Dr. Herman's visit was to bring molecular testing capabilities to KCMC, a significant step forward in improving treatment in Tanzania. This collaboration highlights the growing importance of international partnerships in advancing medical care in developing nations. 

As part of this ongoing exchange, ASCRS Member Dr. Alexander Hawkins from Vanderbilt is scheduled to visit KCMC next year. This reciprocal arrangement underscores the mutual benefits of such international collaborations. 

The exchange program not only benefits the institutions involved but also contributes to the broader goal of enhancing global health equity. As medical knowledge and technologies continue to advance, such international partnerships play a crucial role in ensuring that these advancements reach all corners of the world, ultimately improving patient care on a global scale. 

 


  
 

This program was developed by the Wound, Ostomy, and Continence Nurses Society, in collaboration with the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons, to provide the learner with advanced education in five (5) areas of stoma care. The modules present practical “how to” information used to manage the person with a stoma to live successfully:

• Basic stoma care covers how a stoma is managed, types of pouching systems, how to determine the best fit, wear time and educational issues.
• Adaptation to living with a stoma provides information on clothing, diet, activity, and support information.
• Stoma site marking reviews the principles of choosing a stoma site including situations such as two stoma sites and OR site options.
• Stoma and peristomal complications with practical solutions are covered (how to adapt a pouching system, topical treatments) and
• Fistula management provides instruction via case studies.

Purchase Program

ASCRS members are required to create a free account on the WOCN website to purchase the course.

Learner Outcome: The learner will report increased confidence in ability to choose an appropriate ostomy site, provide pre and post op education to patients and families, selecting appropriate pouching systems for a range of abdominal topography and manage the basics of fistula containment and related skin care.

This program was supported by an educational grant from Hollister Incorporated. The Wound, Ostomy, and Continence Nurses Society and the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons do not endorse specific products and services.

Target Audience: Colorectal surgeons, residents, physician assistants, general surgeons and other healthcare professionals in caring for patients with colon and rectal disease who may receive an ostomy as part of their plan of care.

ASCRS Members are eligible for a $50 discount! Check your email or reach out to [email protected] for the discount code.

CME Hour(s): 3 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™

To Receive Credit:

• Complete the activity in its entirety.
• Complete/submit the online evaluation. To receive credit for each session, click on the CE Information tab and complete the session evaluation. To access your certificate of completion, click on My Account at the top of the screen, click on CNE Transcripts, locate the course, and complete the overall evaluation. At the completion of this step, you will be able to print your certificate with a transcript.
• Print out your certificate and/or save it to your computer. It will also be saved to your CEC account.

Credit Information: This activity has been planned and implemented in accordance with the accreditation requirements and policies of the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) through the joint providership of the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons and the Wound, Ostomy, and Continence Nurses Society. The American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons is accredited by the ACCME to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

The American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons designates this enduring activity for a maximum of 3 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

American Board of Surgery (ABS) Continuous Certification:

Successful completion of this CME activity, which includes participation in the evaluation component, enables the learner to earn credit toward the CME requirement(s) of the American Board of Surgery’s Continuous Certification program. It is the CME activity provider's responsibility to submit learner completion information to ACCME for the purpose of granting ABS credit.

The Local Hero Award recognizes a patient who has been affected by a colorectal disease, has contributed to the local community through advocacy or public outreach efforts and has an inspirational message for others. This year’s Local Hero Award recipient is George Davis.
George Davis is a Baltimore local that was diagnosed with stage IIIC colorectal cancer in 2009 and had a prolonged postoperative recovery, followed by adjuvant therapy. In 2014, he was diagnosed with pancreas cancer and underwent a distal pancreatectomy. Because of his experience, George is committed to giving back to others who suffer with cancer.
Over the last 14 years, George has spent his life helping other cancer patients and families. George and his wife have been active members of the Rectal Cancer Support Group at Johns Hopkins. He is a member of the patient and family advocacy council at Johns Hopkins and has been instrumental in implementing ways to improve patient care. In the fall of 2023, he hosted a colorectal survivorship benefit called “The Rhythm of Life” at his restaurant and raised over $80k to support the Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center. George dedicates himself extensively, not only by supporting fellow survivors but also by participating in patient advocacy groups, engaging in speaking opportunities, and contributing to advancements in colorectal cancer innovation.

To learn more about George and his journey, watch this inspiring video.
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