On July 13–18, Loma Linda University Health (LLUH) hosted a distinguished delegation from Rwanda with Ernest Munyemana, MD, director general of Kibagabaga District Hospital; Christian Mukesi Mutoni, MD, Senior Consultant Anaesthesiologist and Intensivist; and Geoffrey Serwada Ngiruwonsanga, CEO of Integrative Healthcare Rwanda (IHCR) and country director of ADRA-Rwanda. Their multi-day visit served as an introduction to LLUH's academic and medical campuses and offered opportunities to explore various teaching methods for medical students and other learners.
In support of the Adventist School of Medicine of East-Central Africa (ASOME) need for a clinical teaching site for its medical student rotations, the Rwanda Ministry of Health initiated the transfer of Kibagabaga District Hospital to Integrative Healthcare Rwanda, a company owned by the Rwanda Union and the General Conference. The handover, initiated in 2023, aims to develop the hospital into a state-of-the-art teaching institution focused on advancing clinical training, research, and specialized patient care. This partnership is grounded in a commitment to providing excellent medical care rooted in faith.
The Delegation's visit began with a comprehensive tour of the LLUH campus. Over the following days, the delegation engaged with a wide range of clinical departments, academic leaders, and administrative teams. From the Simulation Center and Clinical Skills Education Center to Child Life Services, Maternity Center, the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, and Internal Medicine. Key discussions focused on curriculum development, faculty development, research collaboration, and exploring opportunities for exchanges and consultation visits to Rwanda. Carl Ricketts, Executive Director of Chaplain Services, showcased the integration of faith and compassion within patient care. “The whole person care philosophy at LLUH resonates with our vision for healthcare development in Rwanda,” Munyemana said.
The group also spent time with Tammi Thomas, MD, Dean of the School of Medicine, and Daniel Giang, MD, Vice President for Graduate Medical Education, to discuss plans for the future. Dr. Thomas has visited ASOME a number of times in support of the sister school of medicine and its development. ASOME was officially inaugurated in September 2019 and the first cohort of medical students began calsses in March 2021.
The delegation was hosted locally by Mindi Guptill, MD, professor of emergency medicine, who moved to Kigali at the end of July along with her family. She will assume the role of Associate Dean for Clinical Education at Kibagabaga District Hospital, overseeing the clinical rotations of ASOME medical students and serving as liaison with LLUH for future collaboration and exchange activities. “The Rwandan team embraced the opportunity and made valuable connections with LLUH. I enjoyed getting to know them as we will work together closely in my new role at ASOME", Guptill said.
As Kibagabaga District Hospital continues to grow its services and facilities and develop its healthcare workforce, this visit marks an important step toward a lasting partnership, strengthening capacity, and impacting education and healthcare in Rwanda.
Video Link: Watch a short video of their visit.