RIIO residents, class of 2027
Dr ANNA Major
Emerging from the serene Caribbean Island of The Bahamas, Anna Major stands as a first-year post-graduate resident at the Rwanda International Institute of Ophthalmology (RIIO). Her fervor for ophthalmology took root during her medical school days that was sparked by a poignant encounter with a young mother grappling with the harsh reality of irreversible vision loss due to uncontrolled diabetes. As Anna embarked on her chosen career trajectory, she actively engaged in numerous ophthalmic research projects and altruistic endeavors, both as a medical student and as a practicing physician.
Before her enrollment at RIIO, Anna dedicated six years to the ophthalmology division at the Princess Margaret Hospital in Nassau, The Bahamas. Anna clings resolutely to the profound words of Nelson Mandela: “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” This principle underpins her decision to join RIIO’s residency program. Anna eagerly anticipates the acquisition of the knowledge and skills needed to address the ophthalmic gaps prevalent in The Bahamas. Her ultimate aspiration and fervent passion lie in serving the people of The Bahamas, by contributing to the restoration of their sense of self-reliance and autonomy through the invaluable gift of sight.
Beyond her tireless dedication to her patients, Anna finds solace in spending quality time with her loved ones, nurturing her Christian faith, chronicling her thoughts through journaling, honing her culinary skills in the kitchen, and actively engaging in community outreach initiatives.
Dr Jean de Dieu Ntivuguruzwa
In 2019, he was deployed at Butaro Hospital as an intern Medical Doctor for a period of 12 months, from where after he was deployed at Byumba Distric Hospital by Rwanda MOH as a General Practitioner (02/08/2021). Since then he started searching information on how he can find a school of Ophthalmology, after finding that there is a large gap of ophthalmologists in different hospitals (including where I was practicing).
Dr Jean de Dieu came to find information about RIIO and got requirements for application then applied on Jan, 14th, 2022. After passing the exams given and he was called to join the residency as they started on August 28th, 2023. However, before joining RIIO, he really knew little about ophthalmology as they rotated not much in that department during medical training. After joining the program, he started acquiring some knowledge and skills through lectures, self-readings and clinical activities being conducted at Kibagabaga Hospital- the training site and he is eagerly anticipating to acquire enough knowledge and skills during the whole course of training, with passion to help Rwandans and even neighbors in need of eye care.
Beyond his tireless dedication to patients, and readings, Jean de Dieu Ntivuguruzwa is used to spend time with his loved family, enjoys playing some musical instruments and worshiping Almighty God as a Christian.
Dr ISHIMWE SEBIKARI MOISE
I am Dr. Moise ISHIMWE SEBIKARI, PGY 1 Resident at Rwanda International Institute of Ophthalmology RIIO. I chose to join ophthalmology because I found scarcity of ophthalmology in developing countries, especially here I Rwanda, yet a huge number of people with eye diseases, some of them which are totally avoidable and treatable, and I found in myself one of the answer.Since then I looked for the opportunity to help me to achieve my dreams that is when I knew RIIO, and applied for Resident in ophthalmology. Unfortunately for the first time in 2021, I did not pass well but also I had kept trying to do application because of the way I really liked ophthalmology. Later one I Applied again in 2022, I did exams and a got admission in 2023.
After joining the program, I was so happy but to study has never been easy but with determination, courage, help that I am getting from school staffs, senior resident, and training centers, I wish everything will go well and I will achieve my dream of becoming an ophthalmologist and help in restoring sight and improving vision in general.
DR GAD DUSENGIMANA
My name is Gad DUSENGIMANA, and I am a medical doctor. Growing up in Rwanda, when I was a child, I witnessed many people suffering from blindness especially in rural area, they were walking through life without the care they needed. This struggle became personal when my grandfather lost his sight in both eyes. I vividly remember walking with him, holding a stick to guide him as he followed behind me. We lost hope for his vision due to the lack of access to healthcare, and it was during these moments that I realized the severe shortage of ophthalmologists in our country, where even preventable blindness was often left untreated.
Motivated by these experiences, I pursued my education with great determination. I finished secondary school with a strong ambition to study medicine, driven by a desire to understand the causes of blindness—both preventable and unavoidable. However, upon graduating from medical school, I found that my exposure to ophthalmology was limited, and many of my questions remained unanswered. Nonetheless, my dream of pursuing postgraduate studies in ophthalmology stayed alive.
During my internship, I applied to ophthalmology residency programs around the world, hoping to further my training in this field. In 2023, I experienced a moment of immense joy when I was accepted into the RIIO-COECSA residency program. Since then, I have been learning and gaining valuable skills from seniors, colleagues, equipping me to become an ophthalmologist who can make a meaningful contribution to the fight against preventable blindness.
DR kwizera jean rene
Dr. KWIZERA Jean Rene is currently a resident in the Department of Ophthalmology at RIIO-COESCA With a passion for vision health and patient care; He is dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the lives of patients through both medical and surgical interventions.
Dr. KWIZERA Jean Rene had chosen to pursue a career in ophthalmology due to a profound interest in the unique blend of technology, innovation, and compassionate care that the field offers. The ability to restore vision and improve quality of life is what drives Dr Rene daily.
Furthermore he looks forward to develop the skills and knowledge necessary to provide exceptional eye care and advocate for patients both locally and globally.
dr NOrbert uzabumwana
My name is Dr. Norbert Uzabumwana, I am a first year resident at RIIO. I am Rwandan and I have been working as General practitioner working for the public hospital for 5 years before joining the residency. Some years back, my grandfather had an eye condition that ended up blinding him. Since that time his life changed forever. As I grew up looking for my future career I realized that there is nothing great compared to restoring the sight for people. Even though there is shortage of doctors in the whole country, but the field of eye health is among the most affected. The path to choosing my medical career brought me to ophthalmology.
This field of ophthalmology is interesting more than any other department I have ever been before. Before joining the residency program my understanding was that in ophthalmology there is few works, it is about glasses prescription, only small organ with probably small anatomy and physiology etc. From the day I saw the 13 BSCS Book volumes, I realized things were not going to be stress-free. I have just dedicated myself to work hard, be on time, read and learn some surgeries in my very first beginning. It is fun but hard to operate on microscope, when you join this program that’s when you start treasuring the gift of stereopsis.
Apart from enjoying treating patient, I also enjoy doing physical exercise, learning new skills and spending quality times with my family and friends.
My dream is to have a meaningful impact on people of Rwanda and train my younger doctors. In the future I hope to initiate a business that will elevate young Rwandans through knowledge and skills acquisition, and talent discovery.