Tanzanian Nurse Trains in Kidney Transplant Unit at Sheba Medical Center

In Adrophina’s interview, she reflects on the in-depth knowledge she gained, as well as the warmth, professionalism, and support she experienced from the Sheba team. Adrophina will now return to Tanzania equipped with new skills, which she is eager to share with her colleagues to help enhance patient care and outcomes in her community.  

Below are some questions we asked Adrophina and her responses;

Was there a particular doctor you learned from during your time here? If so, what were the key lessons you gained from them?

Adrophina: During my time at Sheba, I had the privilege of learning from several doctors, instructors, and nurses, each contributing to my growth and understanding. Some of the key lessons I gained include a comprehensive understanding of the kidney transplantation process, covering both pre- and post-transplant care, as well as the surgical procedures themselves. I also expanded my knowledge of dialysis treatments, and one of the highlights for me was being introduced to peritoneal dialysis, a method I had not encountered before in Tanzania.

What was your experience like living in Israel during this time?

Adrophina: Living in Israel has been a very positive experience for me. I found the people to be “so nice and so lovely,” and I can honestly say that it was one of the best experiences I have ever had!

What piece of knowledge or experience do you plan on taking back with you to Tanzania?

Adrophina: One of the most impactful experiences for me was witnessing how individuals in Israel voluntarily come forward to donate a kidney to patients with kidney failure. In Tanzania, many people fear donating due to the misconception that living with one kidney is not possible. I was deeply moved by the selflessness of people in Israel who, even without knowing the recipient, offer their kidneys with open hearts. In terms of medical knowledge, I gained valuable insight into laparoscopic kidney transplant surgery, a technique that is not yet used in Tanzania, where transplants are performed through open surgery. I learned that laparoscopic surgery offers several benefits, including reduced infection risks, less pain, shorter hospital stays, and quicker recovery for patients. I am excited to share this new knowledge with my colleagues and hope to help introduce laparoscopic kidney transplants at my home hospital.

Do you have any final thoughts or reflections you would like to share?

Adrophina: I believe that continuing this program is incredibly important. Ongoing training is essential for building a skilled team to support patients in Tanzania. Continued collaboration with Sheba would have a meaningful impact on our hospitals by reducing the need for patients to travel abroad for kidney transplants. I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to the leadership at Sheba and encourage them to continue this valuable program. To conclude, I want to sincerely thank Sheba for creating such a wonderful program and for collaborating with my home hospital. I am deeply honored to have been chosen to participate.

Sheba’s Kidney Transplantation Department