Dr. Isabella Epiu has made history by becoming the first female anesthesiologist with a PhD in East Africa. Her accomplishment comes as she successfully obtained a PhD in medicine, focusing on neuro-respiratory physiology and health economics from the University of New South Wales in Sydney, Australia. Dr. Epiu specializes in anesthesia, critical care medicine, emergency care medicine, intensive care, and pain medicine.
In a speech delivered by Vice-President Jessica Alupo on behalf of President Yoweri Museveni, the nation expressed pride in celebrating Dr. Epiu’s outstanding contribution to the health sector. President Museveni commended her hard work, diligence, and discipline, describing her achievement as a milestone. He acknowledged her numerous awards in research, emphasizing the importance of education as a key driver of socioeconomic development.
Dr. Epiu’s father, Pastor Richard Epiu Honorat, raised the issue of brain drain from the African continent and its impact on development. The President acknowledged the challenge and reiterated the government’s commitment to addressing the issue.
Expressing her gratitude, Dr. Epiu attributed her achievements to God and thanked the Ugandan government, State House, and the World Bank for the scholarships that facilitated her education. She also appreciated President Museveni for improving surgical anesthesia in the country, emphasizing the need for strong anaesthesiology and critical care teams to enhance surgical outcomes.
Highlighting her research findings, Dr. Epiu noted significant shortages in personnel, equipment, and protocols for safe anesthetic care in obstetric surgical cases across East Africa. She called for strengthened health systems and collaborative efforts between local and international organizations, policymakers, and governments to address the crisis and improve surgical outcomes in developing countries.
