In 2009, I was awarded MB ChB degree by University of Zimbabwe and thereafter did my internship at Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals. This was followed by work as a Medical Officer (MO) at Marondera Provincial Hospital and Medicins Sans Frontieres (MSF). During this period my dream of becoming a Plastic Surgeon crystallised and I applied to several institutions over a span of about two years.
I was delighted when I was offered a place in the post graduate program at University of Nairobi (UoN) and in September 2017 I left Zimbabwe to embark on a 5 year masters degree course in Plastic Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery (PRAS) at UoN.
Moving to East Africa, after spending most of my adult life in Southern Africa was a bit scary: The thought of having no friends, no safety net, no connections and regressing back to being a dependent student was daunting. I was however determined to make the most of this opportunity, so I plunged in and looking back it was the best decision of my life.
My experience at the University of Nairobi (UoN) was amazing to say the least. The local citizens were very friendly and it was also not difficult to get accommodation, move around and settle in. The university has an office for international students which helps in facilitating student permits and helping with any challenges one might face during the training.
The academic aspect was equally great, with very supportive faculty and fellow students. Although each training system worldwide has its challenges, there is a deliberate effort at UoN to constantly improve and strive to provide world class training to residents in the various fields. What I found very impressive was the hands on experience, daily lectures, workshops/symposiums and the drive to undertake local studies, document and publish, which I feel is lagging in most African academic institutions.
When I was in my 3rd year of study, I faced financial difficulties, and considered deferring my studies but luckily I got a scholarship from Smile Train (ST), which covered my tuition and living expenses. I am eternally grateful for this support which has enabled me to achieve my goals. Having grown up in a small town called Masvingo, I never imagined in my wildest dreams that I could one day become a Medical Doctor, leave alone a specialist Plastic Surgeon. Thank you UoN and Smile Train.
As I proceed with my academic journey, Kenya will always have a special place in my heart. I am grateful to UoN, Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH), Smile Train and Faculty (both internal and external) for the effort and patience they took in our training. I am also grateful to fellow residents for going out of their way to make me feel at home, entrusting me to serve them as their Chief Resident and last but not least the loving citizens of this great nation, who never made me and my fellow international students feel like outsiders.
May the Lord Bless you all
Dr Evans Spanton Masitara, MB ChB (UZ), MMed PRAS (UoN)
This is the story of Zimbabwean Dr Evans Spanton Masitara who graduated as a Plastic Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeon from UoN in September 2022.
