Weill Cornell Medicine recently hosted a delegation from the Muhimbili Orthopaedic Institute in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, led by Dr. Mpoki Ulisubisya (CEO), Dr. Hamisi Shabani (Professor of Neurosurgery), and Dr. Anthony Assey (Director of Orthopaedics and Trauma). The visit, organized by Dr. Roger Härtl and the Tanzania Neurosurgery Program, aimed to strengthen the partnership between WCM and MOI while exploring pathways to develop a comprehensive spine center modeled after Och Spine at NewYork-Presbyterian.
Throughout the week, the delegation engaged with leaders across WCM and NewYork-Presbyterian to gain insights into patient care, research, and hospital operations. Kojo Oduro provided an in-depth look at central sterile processing, while Arianna Dinelli and advanced practice providers toured the Och Spine recovery unit on 2North. Dr. Ibrahim Hussain shared clinical perspectives from the operating room, and research fellows discussed ongoing spine research initiatives.
The group also met with senior leadership, including Dr. Philip Stieg, who spoke on neurosurgical department leadership, and Paul Dunphey and Matthew Bair, who outlined organizational strategies to deliver high-quality care. Drs. Neel Mehta, Jaspal Ricky Singh, and Zeeshan Sardar highlighted multidisciplinary and multicampus approaches to spine care. Additional discussions included updates in epilepsy surgery and neurocritical care with Dr. Caitlin Hoffman, and reflections on the origin and future of the collaboration with Drs. Estomih Mtui and Michael Stewart.
The visit reinforced a shared commitment to advancing neurosurgical care through collaboration and education. It provided a strong foundation for future initiatives aimed at improving patient outcomes in Tanzania.
Leadership Insights and Multidisciplinary Approaches
Senior leadership meetings formed a cornerstone of the visit, with Dr. Philip Stieg sharing perspectives on neurosurgical department governance and strategic planning. Paul Dunphey and Matthew Bair outlined organizational frameworks that enable the delivery of consistently excellent patient outcomes, providing a roadmap for healthcare system strengthening.
The delegation also explored innovative care models through discussions with Drs. Neel Mehta, Jaspal Ricky Singh, and Zeeshan Sardar, who highlighted multidisciplinary and multicampus approaches to comprehensive spine care. These sessions emphasized the importance of collaborative care teams in addressing complex neurosurgical conditions.
Research and Specialized Care Integration
Dr. Ibrahim Hussain provided clinical insights from active operating room environments, while research fellows presented ongoing spine research initiatives that demonstrate the integration of clinical care with advancing scientific knowledge. Additional sessions with Dr. Caitlin Hoffman covered cutting-edge developments in epilepsy surgery and neurocritical care, expanding the scope of potential collaborative opportunities.
Reflective discussions with Drs. Estomih Mtui and Michael Stewart examined the historical foundation and future trajectory of the Tanzania-Weill Cornell Medicine partnership, providing context for sustained collaboration and growth.
Strengthening Global Health Partnerships
This visit builds upon Dr. Härtl's recognition as director of Weill Cornell Medicine's Global Neurosurgery Initiative in Tanzania, where he works closely with local physicians to improve access to neurosurgical care, training, and infrastructure. His dedication to global health equity was recently recognized with the prestigious MOI Humanitarian Award, presented at the 11th Global Neurosurgery Course in Dar Es Salaam.
The August delegation visit reinforced the shared commitment between Weill Cornell Medicine and the Muhimbili Orthopaedic Institute to advancing neurosurgical care through sustained collaboration and knowledge exchange. The intensive week of meetings, clinical observations, and strategic planning sessions established a robust foundation for future initiatives aimed at improving patient outcomes and healthcare delivery across Tanzania and the broader East African region.
Through partnerships like this, Weill Cornell Medicine continues to demonstrate that excellence in neurosurgical care transcends borders, creating lasting impact through education, collaboration, and shared expertise.