12/12/2025
Today, as Kenya celebrates Jamhuri Day and honours its journey of independence, resilience and collective progress, we at Surgeons001 are proud to mark a remarkable achievement that reflects the very same spirit of dedication, service and the pursuit of a greater and healthier nation.
Our very own Dr. Abubakar Swaleh has been recognized as “Trainer of the Year” at the 5th Annual Graduation Dinner for General Surgery, Neurosurgery and Orthopaedics held in Mombasa COSECSA | The College of Surgeons of East, Central and Southern Africa
Dr. Abubakar, himself a COSECSA Fellow, earned this honour for his exemplary mentorship and unwavering support to the COSECSA-CGTRH medical registrars at the Coast General Teaching and Referral Hospital.
What makes this recognition truly special is how it was awarded. For the first time, registrars independently voted for the trainer who had most impacted their learning and they unanimously chose Dr. Abubakar.
They highlighted his:
👨🏽⚕️ Exceptional passion for surgical education
🥢 Gift for simplifying and demonstrating complex surgical concepts and skills
👨🏽🏫 Record 45 teaching sessions this year, a remarkable feat for a practising surgeon
📲 Constant availability in moments of crisis, becoming the surgeon they could always call when stuck
Hearing registrars describe an unwritten rule of “If you’re stranded, just call Dr. Abu” is the kind of affirmation that speaks louder than any certificate or trophy. It reflects humility, service and genuine devotion to shaping the next generation of surgeons.
This award is not just a personal triumph, it is a testament to what Surgical Education can achieve when passion meets purpose. And on this Jamhuri Day, we are reminded that nation-building does not only happen in parliaments or political arenas, it unfolds in classrooms, operating theatres, communities and in the quiet, unseen moments where one professional uplifts another.
The icing on the cake?
This year, COSECSA–CGTRH was recognized as the Best COSECSA Training Institution in Kenya, and among the 6️⃣0️⃣ doctors in the programme nationwide, the Best Surgical Fellow also emerged from this centre! 🙌🏾 A powerful reflection of the strength and quality of surgical training in our region.
We extend our gratitude to COSECSA for nurturing surgical excellence across the continent. As the largest surgical training institution in Sub-Saharan Africa, operating across 14 member countries and 10 partner nations, COSECSA continues to strengthen the future of surgical care.
And today, we proudly celebrate Dr. Abubakar 👏🏾 a shining example of what dedication to education, mentorship and service truly looks like.
Happy Jamhuri Day 🇰🇪
To serving. To devotion. To nation-building.