Global Health
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Our global efforts to improve pediatric surgical care
At UCLA's Division of Pediatric Surgery, we’re committed to improving pediatric care around the world. We collaborate with respected organizations like the , , and . Through these valuable partnerships, we bring our expertise and resources to underserved areas, helping to enhance surgical care for children everywhere.
Training and development in Mozambique
UCLA has partnered with the in Mozambique, a southeastern African country, to support Dr. Atanasio Taela, the nation's only pediatric surgeon.
Mozambique faces a severe shortage of trained doctors, and Dr. Taela, who is also the Chief of Pediatric Surgery at the main training hospital, serves over 10 million children. By aiding Dr. Taela's training, we aim to significantly enhance pediatric surgical care in Mozambique and make a lasting impact on the community.
Global fellowships in pediatric surgery
At UCLA, our Division of Pediatric Surgery welcomes talented doctors from around the world—like Spain, Hong Kong, China, Armenia, and Taiwan. These doctors, known as fellows, have already completed their basic training and are now learning advanced skills in pediatric surgery. By sharing their knowledge and learning from us, they help improve care for children everywhere and strengthen our global connections in pediatric surgery.
Mentorship in global health
Our faculty members, Dr. Daniel DeUgarte and Dr. Shant Shekherdimian, play a key role in the UCLA Global Surgery Initiative and global health clinical electives. They mentor residents and medical students, offering them hands-on experience in global health. These opportunities include working in clinical settings, engaging in research, and learning about healthcare policy and economics. Through these experiences, we aim to develop the next generation of compassionate healthcare leaders.
Improving surgical care in Armenia
Dr. Shant Shekherdimian has led several important projects to improve surgical care in Armenia and other former Soviet Republics. He also advises Armenia's Minister of Health and regularly teaches at annual educational symposiums in Armenia. His efforts are dedicated to enhancing the quality of surgical care and sharing knowledge to benefit healthcare professionals in these regions.