Nigerian Surgeon Ayo Aranmolate Reflects on Global Medical Collaboration, Training in the U.S.

Dr. Ayo Rasheed Aranmolate, a renowned plastic surgeon from Nigeria, recently shared his experiences and insights during a training program in Utah, United States. The trip, which was part of a collaborative initiative between Ghana and Nigeria, focused on advanced medical procedures and global collaboration in the field of surgery.

During the week-long training, Dr. Aranmolate was accompanied by nine Ghanaian doctors as they engaged in discussions and practical sessions with leading U.S. surgeons. The collaboration is a testament to the growing need for cross-border medical partnerships, as Dr. Aranmolate highlighted in his interview.

“We had the privilege of working alongside Professor Brad Rockwell, a Professor of Surgery from Salt Lake City, Utah, who has previously worked in Ghana. His expertise in surgery and the collaboration between Ghana and Utah provided us with valuable insights into new medical techniques,” Dr. Aranmolate explained. He also emphasized the importance of fostering more collaborations between medical professionals in Nigeria and their counterparts across the globe to advance healthcare standards.

The experience in Utah was not just about medical training but also an opportunity to explore the local culture. Dr. Aranmolate described a memorable trip to the mountainous regions surrounding Salt Lake City, where he marveled at the breathtaking views, despite his fear of heights. “We drove up to 10,000 feet above sea level, and I felt the pressure in my ears like I was on a plane,” he recounted.

In addition to sightseeing, Dr. Aranmolate and his colleagues enjoyed the hospitality of their hosts, including a general surgeon from Ghana who now resides in Utah. The camaraderie among the doctors provided a platform for in-depth discussions on surgical techniques and potential collaborations, particularly in the fields of sarcoma and oncology surgery.

The training sessions themselves were a mixture of theoretical and hands-on experiences. Dr. Aranmolate noted, “We observed procedures like breast lifts, implant changes, and abdominoplasties. The techniques used were impressive, and I’m looking forward to incorporating some of them into my practice in Nigeria.”

He also attended seminars on hand surgeries and global surgical strategies aimed at reducing the cost of surgeries worldwide. Dr. Aranmolate was particularly struck by the innovative discussions on how to address the global surgical burden, which accounts for 30% of healthcare needs.

The surgeon’s commitment to continuous learning was evident as he balanced his training with his ongoing MBA studies. “I had to wake up by 1 a.m. here to attend my MBA classes in Nigeria,” he said, underscoring his dedication to both medicine and business mixing both MBA class with Lagos Business School and health Strategy with Harvard Business School.

“I also attended the American Society of Plastic Surgeons”Dr Aranmolate added, Learning and comparing his work with other surgeons and exchanging ideas on how best to do some of the surgery.
As Dr. Aranmolate prepares for future conferences, including one in New Orleans, he remains optimistic about the potential for further collaborations in developing advanced procedures such as face lifts and rhinoplasty in Nigeria. His experience in Utah has not only broadened his medical expertise but also reaffirmed his belief in the power of global partnerships to elevate healthcare standards in Nigeria and beyond.