Mentorship for Medical Professionals

Mentorship for Medical Professionals – ACE Kerugoya

Access to hands-on training in endometriosis and minimally invasive surgery remains limited in many parts of East Africa. Our Mentorship for Medical Professionals at the African Centre for Endometriosis in Kerugoya, Kirinyaga, Kenya offers practical guidance from a working endometriosis surgeon. You gain skills you can use on Monday morning, and your patients benefit sooner.

Mentorship at a Glance

  • Format: One-to-one mentorship, observerships, hands-on skills training, live surgery and case-based discussion.
  • Who it is for: Gynaecologists, residents, medical officers, sonographers, radiologists and theatre teams.
  • Key outcomes: Earlier diagnosis, safer laparoscopic technique and confident, evidence-based referral and treatment decisions.
  • When to enquire: When you want to build endometriosis or minimally invasive surgery skills, or train your hospital team.

Why Mentorship Matters in Endometriosis Care

The World Health Organization estimates that about 1 in 10 women and girls of reproductive age live with endometriosis, and diagnostic delay is common. Part of the problem is clinical awareness.

Research on endometriosis among African women, co-authored by Dr Njagi, points to limited awareness and diagnosis across the continent. NICE guidance also reminds clinicians that a normal examination or ultrasound does not exclude endometriosis.

Courses teach theory. Mentorship builds judgement, technique and confidence, with an experienced surgeon alongside you.

Who Can Benefit From Our Mentorship

  • Obstetrician-gynaecologists and residents building laparoscopic and endometriosis skills
  • Medical officers and general practitioners who want to recognise and refer endometriosis earlier
  • Sonographers and radiologists developing endometriosis ultrasound and imaging skills
  • Theatre nurses and surgical teams supporting minimally invasive procedures
  • Hospital leaders and societies planning workshops or team training

What You Can Learn

Training is tailored to your level, from foundations to advanced surgery. Topics may include:

  • Recognising and diagnosing endometriosis, including diagnostic ultrasound for endometriosis
  • Laparoscopic basics: port placement, ergonomics and energy sources
  • Surgical pelvic anatomy and safe dissection
  • Intracorporeal suturing and knot-tying
  • Excision principles for endometriosis, including deep infiltrating disease
  • Hysteroscopy and other minimally invasive gynaecological procedures
  • Vaginal surgery and pelvic organ prolapse techniques
  • Working in resource-limited settings, where equipment and staffing are constrained

A Track Record in Teaching and Mentoring

Dr Joe Njagi’s teaching is built on years of practice, training and community surgical work.

  • Awarded the Kenya Obstetrical and Gynaecological Society (KOGS) Central Branch Award for mentorship in minimally invasive surgery (2025)
  • Trainer at IRCAD Africa, Kigali, and Associate Lecturer at Kirinyaga University (both from 2025)
  • Founder of the Laparoscopy Mashinani Trust Fund, recognised with a KOGS presidential award (2020). It brings minimally invasive surgery closer to communities.
  • Live surgery faculty at the Endometriosis Marathon, 3rd Park Hospital, Nairobi 
  • Workshop faculty on ergonomics in laparoscopy, intracorporeal knots, surgical pelvic anatomy, energy sources and vaginal surgery (Kenyan Society of Endoscopic Specialties, 2018–2019)
  • Medical missions across Kenya and Uganda, including Mbarara, Mengo, Eldoret, Kisumu and Nairobi
  • Author of a chapter on Reproductive Surgery in Austere Settings (Springer, 2022)

Why Choose African Centre for Endometriosis for Mentorship

You learn from an active surgeon who operates, teaches and publishes, not from slides alone.

  • Gynaecologist, Laparoscopic Surgeon and Endometriosis Excision Specialist (MMed OBGYN and MBChB, Mbarara University of Science and Technology)
  • Surgical fellowship in management of bowel endometriosis (Erasto Gaertner, 2023)
  • Advanced endometriosis imaging training in Rome and Hamburg (2022)
  • Over a decade of clinical experience in gynaecology
  • Member, FIGO Minimally Invasive Surgery Committee (2023–2027)
  • Vice-Chair, Kenyan Society of Endoscopic Specialties
  • Co-founder and Secretary, Pan-African Society of Endometriosis(PASE)
  • Currently completing a Gynaecology-Oncology Fellowship at the University of Nairobi

Frequently Asked Questions About Mentorship for Medical Professionals

Who can apply for mentorship?
Gynaecologists, residents, medical officers, sonographers, radiologists and theatre staff can apply. Tell us your role, experience and learning goals, and we will advise which type of mentorship suits you best.

Do I need laparoscopy experience first?
No. We train from foundations to advanced surgery. Beginners can start with ergonomics, instrument handling and pelvic anatomy, while experienced surgeons may focus on deep endometriosis excision. We tailor the plan to your current level.

Can I observe live endometriosis surgery?
Yes, observation can be arranged where suitable. Patients are always asked for consent first, and patient safety and privacy come before teaching. Availability depends on the surgical schedule.

Is the mentorship accredited for CPD?
Accreditation depends on the specific programme or event. Contact us before applying and we will confirm whether CPD points are available for your cadre and licensing body.

How do I apply, and how long is a placement?
Send your CV, current role and learning goals through our enquiry form or by phone. Placement length varies, from a single live-surgery day to a longer attachment, and is agreed once we understand your goals.

Can you train my hospital team or host a workshop?
Often, yes. Hospitals, societies and training groups can contact us to discuss workshops, live demonstrations or team training. Availability depends on Dr Njagi’s clinical and teaching schedule.

Where can I find minimally invasive surgery training in Kenya?
The African Centre for Endometriosis in Kerugoya, Kirinyaga, offers mentorship in laparoscopy, hysteroscopy and endometriosis care, led by Dr Joe Njagi, a trainer at IRCAD Africa. 

Apply for Mentorship

Better care for women with endometriosis starts with better-trained clinicians. Tell us where you work, what you want to learn and how we can help you get there.

Disclaimer: Mentorship supports, and does not replace, formal training, accreditation or credentialing. Placements are subject to availability, and any patient involvement is subject to informed consent. Clinical decisions remain the responsibility of the treating clinician.