CK: First of all, being able to finish my training in neurosurgery despite all the incredible challenges facing me to get there. Then, working in my own country. I feel more useful here. Even if practicing neurosurgery is still challenging, it feels very rewarding when at the end of the day I have treated a patient who goes back home on his/her feet, cured. When I operate on a tumor, it is very heartwarming seeing the patient walk away knowing that I have contributed to treating him/her. IBTA: What’s on your wish-list for brain tumor patients in Rwanda (or, more broadly, Africa)? CK: At the top of my wish-list would be: n For patients to get diagnosed on time and get all needed support n For patients to have access to proper treatment and a multidisciplinary care team n I also wish to see all the advanced treatments available to the African/Rwandan population
Neurosurgeon Dr Claire Karekezi at work in the operating theatre at the Rwanda
IBTA: How do you relax? Do you play music? Do you have a hobby? CK: I love traveling and discovering new places. But I also enjoy spending time with friends and family. I also love watching and playing basketball, reading and listening to music.
Military Hospital in Kigali, Rwanda
IBTA: Do you anticipate any significant breakthroughs in neurosurgery in the next ten years? If so, in what areas? CK: One of my dreams, ever since I started my neurosurgery path, has been to set up a dedicated neuro-oncology center one day in my country. This is a project I carry in my heart but there are still a lot of challenges I face - like building up my own learning curve and growth as a young neurosurgeon. I also hope to be able to build up a solid team to help me. I am very much interested in neurosurgery academia - it is important for me to transmit what I have learned to the next generation of incoming neurosurgeons. I look forward to this. IBTA: How has the current COVID-19 epidemic affected your work as a consultant neurosurgeon in Rwanda? CK: The first days of lockdown were challenging for everyone, especially for brain tumor patients who probably couldn’t get to us in time. But those who were really sick got to us regardless and we helped them. Also, initially we reduced our elective surgeries and consultations to contain the virus. Now things are more stable. IBTA: As Rwanda’s first female neurosurgeon, what words of advice would you give to young women contemplating a career in neurosurgery? CK: Never feel discouraged in embracing any surgical career, especially neurosurgery. Challenges are there but things have evolved and we have more role models and mentors who made it. I would tell them to keep working hard and maintain discipline and GRIT. These things - for sure - do pay off. IBTA: So far, what has been the most memorable or most satisfying moment of your neurosurgical career? 50
Brain Tumour
IBTA: Is there anything else that you would like to add? CK: Just to say, thank you so much for highlighting our work. We hope for a great collaboration with you in helping brain tumor patients on the African continent. n
Rights-based advocacy The IBTA is a strong supporter of rightsbased advocacy. Included in this issue of Brain Tumour magazine is the recently launched Brain Tumour Patients’ Charter of Rights which the IBTA proudly co-authored and supports. The IBTA is also proud to support the European Code of Cancer Practice, a citizen and patient-centred manifesto for the core requirements for good clinical cancer practice, in order to improve outcomes for all of Europe’s cancer patients. The Code has been co-produced by a team of cancer patients, patient advocates (including the IBTA’s Chair, Kathy Oliver) and cancer healthcare professionals. Additionally, the IBTA supports the Glioblastoma Bill of Rights, a patient-centred call to action. n