Abeje Brhanu Menjeta, MD, FCS(ECSA)
It has been declared by many and mentioned in number of ways that our achievements
and impacts in life are significantly dependent on the type of journey that we choose
to take and how further and better we travel on that chosen journey. Likewise, there
is an Ethiopian quote which says “When you go further on a life journey, you will
encounter with thousands of opportunities.” In the same spirit as the above quote,
a plastic and reconstructive surgery fellowship at Asan Medical Center allowed me
to travel further on the fascinating journey of reconstructive surgery. A journey
which is very much unique and unattempted by many plastic surgeons living in the part
of the world where I come from, Africa. On this expedition I happen to encounter with
several opportunities to be exposed to a variety of knowledge, skills, and attitudes
regarding reconstructive surgery. An opportunity to challenge myself into acquiring
of new sets of skills and practices in plastic and reconstructive surgery in general
and reconstructive microsurgery in particular. An opportunity to meet and create network
with several prominent figures in the field of reconstructive surgery. An opportunity
to get exposed to new language, culture, and weather conditions. All the opportunities
that I encountered by going further on the highway of reconstructive surgery is made
possible due to this fellowship. This opportunity and the associated exposure that
I run into due to the fellowship, have already made me to be a much better plastic
and reconstructive surgeon with several added values in terms of knowledge, skills,
and attitude. I should also admit that the fellowship has also created the opportunity
for me to broaden my view toward new cultures and the untaken roads.
A persistent and strong personal desire to be one of change catalysts for the advancement
of reconstructive surgery in Ethiopia is the main motivational factor which serve
as a drive for embarking on this journey of fellowship. The current practice of plastic
and reconstructive surgery in Ethiopia is characterized by usage of old-fashioned
methods of reconstruction, where skin graft, local flap, and pedicled regional and
distant flaps are used as the main reconstruction armamentariums. Reconstructive microsurgery
is one of the missed tools in our current practice of reconstructive surgery.
Even if I am among the very few from my region who happens to be lucky to take the
journey of fellowship in reconstructive microsurgery, I am very sure that the impact
of this astonishing journey will not be confined to an individual level. The story
of my journey will be used as a source of hope and inspiration for many young plastic
surgeons who wish to go further in the field of reconstructive surgery. In addition,
I also like to assure that all the skills and knowledge which I happen to gather in
this fellowship will be shared enthusiastically to all my colleagues and students
for initiating transformation in the field of reconstructive surgery in my country
and region.
I would like to thank the honorable professor K.S. Koh for his service as a dedicated
and exemplary reconstructive surgeon and for being one of the reasons behind my fellowship.
I also like to thank Professor J.P. Hong for his relentless mentoring and support
in this journey of fellowship in plastic and reconstructive surgery.
