GENERAL OBSTETRICS & GYNECOLOGY

The General Obstetrics and Gynecology (OB/GYN) program was created to assist our host country to address deficits in maternal health care that contribute to the national obstetric fistula burden targeted by our urogynecology team. Our multidisciplinary OB/GYN team has grown consistently and includes physicians and nurses. Our work involves providing direct patient care and teaching medical students, resident physicians, midwives, and nurses. We customize our approach to match the most pressing clinical needs. In Rwanda, we have prioritized the improvement of surgical techniques utilized during cesarean sections and general gynecologic procedures. We incorporate in our practice current advances in the surgical management of common gynecologic conditions, such as pelvic organ prolapse and menorrhagia. Our educational programs utilize various media platforms to reach as many local providers as possible. For instance, an educational video demonstrating proper cesarean section technique jointly produced by IOWD and Brigham & Women’s Hospital (Massachusetts, USA) is available online at no cost. In addition, we routinely lecture on ultrasound and management of obstetric conditions such as hemorrhage, preeclampsia, vaginal birth after cesarean section (VBAC), and abnormal labor.

As a general gynecologist my role has been to teach the young Rwandan physicians surgical skills. Our goal is to reduce the surgical causes of fistula. I am continually impressed with the enthusiasm and drive of these young doctors. For as long as I am able I will continue to commit to this country and its beautiful people.

Stacey Knox MD
Obstetrician & Gynecologist, USA