Goals and Objectives
Our Mission
The SEAL Global Surgery Program at East Tennessee State University works to improve surgical care in countries with limited resources by partnering with local providers and strengthening health system capacity.
The program brings together surgeons, anesthesiologists, nurses, researchers, and international partners to support the delivery of safe, high-quality surgical care in low- and middle-income countries. Its work is guided by four strategic pillars:
- Delivering direct surgical care
- Assisting in long-term capacity building
- Improving access to care by providing appropriate support
- Strengthening team leadership
What We Do
Surgery
In collaboration with ETSU, the Global Surgery Program provides a staff surgeon for a one year tenure to help provide access to high-quality surgical care 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to all who need it.
Capacity Building
SEAL fellowship prioritizes sustainability by integrating training for physicians, residents, and medical students. Training sessions are done at our global sites as well as observership in our facilities in the United States.
Research
Fellows are expected to participate in clinical research and are encouraged to submit 1-2 manuscripts for publication in peer reviewed journals. Fellows are encouraged to come up with their own research projects or they can collaborate with ongoing projects.
Where We Work
Monze Mission Hospital (MMH) is a 276-bed teaching hospital in southwestern Zambia serving 600,000 to 800,000 people through a partnership between the Catholic Church and the Ministry of Health. Under the leadership of Dr. Sufyan Ibrahim, chief surgeon and clinical head, MMH trains nurses, Clinical Officers, and senior medical students. The hospital runs a nursing school, a four-year surgical residency, and is preparing new residency programs in obstetrics/gynecology and pediatrics. Interns rotate 18 months across core specialties for hands-on training. MMH sees a high volume of complex cases, including heart attacks, strokes, TB, diabetes complications, malnutrition, sickle cell disease, trauma, burns, and 6,000 annual deliveries—about 25 percent by C-section. Known for its welcoming staff and commitment to teaching, the hospital conducts rounds in English with translation available. It also produces its own IV fluids, reflecting its focus on quality care and self-sufficiency.
Koidu Government Hospital (KGH) in Sierra Leone’s Kono District is a 250-bed teaching hospital supported by Partners In Health. It provides services in internal medicine, pediatrics, obstetrics and gynecology, surgery, emergency care, infectious disease, and maternal health. Known for its high patient volume, KGH manages a wide range of complex surgical cases and serves patients from across Sierra Leone as well as neighboring Liberia and Guinea.The hospital is also a training hub, hosting medical students and residents through the Ministry of Health and the West African College of Surgeons programs. Trainees gain hands-on experience under national specialists and mentors. In 2026, KGH will expand with the opening of the 120-bed Maternal Center of Excellence, which will grow the existing 48-bed maternal ward and baby unit into a state-of-the-art facility for care, innovation, and workforce training in a rural setting.