Graduation at MCM
On the day after the Kempen family returned to Ethiopia for their tenth year of service, Dr. Kempen had the opportunity to attend the graduation of the medical students from the MyungSung Medical College (MMC) as a faculty member. MMC is a small, private medical college with among the best students in the country. 100% have passed the equivalent of board exams in all four years since such exams were initiated nationally in Ethiopia. The average score also is far above average. MMC charges tuition, but at about one-fifteenth the rate of Harvard, and housing also is inexpensive. Scholarships are provided for those willing to serve the poor especially in rural areas of Africa.
The SFS eye department provides their ophthalmology curriculum, we are just beginning to teach the rotations for the current class. Dr. Kempen also was privileged to have next year's valedictorian come to seek mentorship from him as she aspires to a career in ophthalmology.
It was a splendid event, and great to be able to attend in person!
Enjoy this video clip about the graduation.
COESCA Conference
Sight for Souls is very involved in clinical work, training and research primarily in Ethiopia. But the scope of our work is much bigger and so is our impact, such as through training programs in the COECSA region and global monthly uveitis training webinars which Dr. Kempen organizes with the International Uveitis Study Group Education Committee that he chairs. COECSA (the College of Ophthalmology of Eastern, Central and Southern Africa) is both a professional organization and a board-certifying type organization both in one. Dr. Kempen is a fellow of COECSA (~certified) as well as a diplomate of the American Board of Ophthalmology.
One way in which our wider engagement happens is through the participation at ophthalmology conferences and meetings, such as the recent COECSA meeting attended by Dr. Kempen and Dr. Demissie. Sharing the work that is being done in Ethiopia, and the results of research completed in partnership with other ophthalmologists around the world, brings awareness to the needs in this region and the opportunities that exist to continue to develop and support initiatives for improved eye care. Participation at such conferences also can increase the opportunity to find grants or gain financial or operational partners who allow us to continue to do the work that we do.
The annual COESCA conference, this year in Zimbabwe, provides unparalleled opportunities for learning, networking, and professional growth within the Ophthalmology community in Africa. Dr. Kempen was invited to speak and share to the next generation of young African doctors, and we can see a brief introduction here from him, regarding the objectives of this event. Next year’s annual meeting will be in Addis Ababa. Along with many Ethiopian senior ophthalmologists, both Dr. Kempen and Dr. Demissie are involved in organizing it.