All about Burundi’s first plastic surgeon who is changing lives
Dr. Clovis Paulin Baramburiye is the first plastic and reconstructive surgeon in Burundi.
He says it is an honour but also a big responsibility. There is a lot of pressure because he is the only one in the country doing this kind of work.
His journey to plastic surgery was not easy he says.
After studying medicine in China, he returned home to teach human anatomy at the University of Burundi.
Despite his dream of training in plastic surgery there was no programme in his country and studying abroad was too expensive, so he began training in general surgery instead.
Everything changed when he got a scholarship to specialise in plastic surgery.
He had to leave behind years of general surgery training, but for him, it was not a difficult choice.
He moved to Rwanda for three years of training, then passed his final exams in Zimbabwe. In December 2023, he officially became a plastic surgeon.
Today, Dr. Baramburiye does a lot of things including teaching at the University of Burundi, leading the Department of Human Anatomy, and working as a consultant at the University Hospital.
His work involves much more than cosmetic surgery. He helps patients with severe burns, cleft lips, soft tissue infections, and other medical issues.
According to him, it becomes challenging sometimes because of inadequate equipment or lack of time in the operating room.
"For most reconstructive surgeries, basic instruments can work. But for cases like cleft palate, you need special retractors and calipers. Sometimes I'm challenged by these instruments, but I'm advocating to get what I need so I can do proper work," he told All Africa.
Despite the difficulties, he says his work is incredibly rewarding.
Many people in Burundi did not believe certain surgeries were possible until he started doing them. He loves seeing patients regain hope. Even simple procedures can make a huge difference because no one was doing them before.
He also believes technology and Artificial intelligence can greatly impact healthcare in Burundi.
"AI will play a big role," he said. "I was impressed by a software used in Rwanda to assess the severity of cleft cases. I think AI is going to make our lives way easier, but we need to handle it properly."
Dr. Baramburiye however notes that the lack of doctors in rural areas is one of the biggest barriers in the country. According to him, these professionals need better pay, equipment, and support so they can live comfortably while helping patients.
Dr. Baramburiye says Africa’s surgical training has improved a lot in recent years. Before, surgeons had to do everything—general surgery, orthopaedics, neurosurgery. But now, specialisation is possible, thanks to programmes like the College of Surgeons of East & Central and Southern Africa COSECSA, which offers affordable surgical training. He hopes more young doctors will follow their dreams, just like he did.
For him, the future of healthcare in Burundi depends on one simple thing: making sure doctors have what they need to do their jobs well.
