University of Zambia General Surgery Resident Kebby Mazyamuna, M.D., recently shared his experience as an international scholar visiting the UAB Department of Surgery and shadowing multiple surgeons across all oncology specialties.
Dr. Mazyamuna completed his medical degree at the University of Zambia, followed by an internship at Ndola Teaching Hospital. He is currently in his final year of general surgery residency at the University of Zambia and plans to specialize in surgical oncology.
Read below for his interview about his favorite moments and memories as a visiting scholar at UAB:
- What factors attracted you to do an observership at UAB?
The University of Zambia, the oldest local university with a medical college, boasts many surgical residency programs. Although it's an excellent institution, this academic centre has no subspecialties after General surgery training. With my interest in surgery focused on surgical oncology, I was seeking the best possible opportunity to gain exposure in this advanced field. When I met Dr. Gutnik during her visit to Zambia as part of American College of Surgeons Lusaka Collaborative and we discussed my further training, UAB quickly became an option for the best exposure to advanced technology and excellent mentors to help me navigate the next steps. I learned, as I researched, that UAB is one of the largest public universities in the US, and I was excited about having the best experience there.
2. What do you think were the most significant learning points during your visit?
During my visit, I enjoyed the warm ‘southern hospitality’ I received at every place I went in Birmingham. The administrators, the UAB Department of Surgery, and my host, Dr. Gutnik, were all very good to me. I loved that during my placement, I lived with Dr Victor Perim, a postdoctoral research fellow in surgical oncology. He took me around places I needed to be, and I loved that we were interested in the same activities. I also met a community of global surgery track residents, who became my go-to for every question, including the multiple times I wasn't sure about directions. I am appreciative of the idea of linking a visiting scholar to someone in the field at a somewhat similar level in training, like Victor. This made the experience even more interesting.
Academically, in all the services I attended, I had the opportunity to interact with faculty and fellow residents. Many academic activities were enjoyable, but I loved the grand rounds the most. Those meetings brought accomplished surgeons from across the US, and I only wish I could have that much mentorship even here in Zambia. I imagine success wouldn't be too far away. I equally had a great time observing Robotic cases, complex operations which were done with ease, much faster, and with less trauma. In the breast service, I had a rare opportunity to be part of the Team Management. It was my first time to see surgeons, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, geneticists, and a care navigator all sit down together to see a patient and make an integrated plan going forward. I ended my visit at a global surgery journal club presentation, where I presented how we manage neurotrauma in Zambia.
3. What was your favorite restaurant or cultural attraction when visiting Birmingham, AL?
I went to many restaurants, but by far my favourite was Falafel Cafe on 19th Street. I also loved the tacos available in Birmingham.
4. Next steps:
As I graduate in July 2026, I am planning some projects to partner with UAB mentors and Dr. Gutnik over the next year. Equally looking and applying for a surgical oncology fellowship with plans to start in 2027. My long-term plans are a PhD and developing this relationship with UAB to benefit other residents in the future. UAB was lovely, I shall visit again soon!