Surgery is not limited to the operating theatre. It also relies on the transmission of skills, clinical supervision and the training of future healthcare professionals.
Since March 2022, Fabienne Jean-François has been practicing at Zanmi Lasante with dual responsibility. As a general surgeon, she is responsible for the care of patients with surgical pathologies. As assistant trainer for the surgical residency program, she supports residents in their clinical training and participates in program management.
Her career illustrates this continuity. Resident in general surgery between 2016 and 2021, then general surgeon at Hôpital Bon Sauveur de Cange until November 2023, she knows the demands of the field and the realities of medical training in Haiti. Today at Hôpital Sainte-Thérèse in Hinche, she is helping to strengthen one of the most essential pillars of the healthcare system: training professionals capable of ensuring continuity of care.
Her daily work revolves around three axes. Direct patient care, often involving complex pathologies. Supervision and evaluation of residents’ clinical work. And management of the residency program, which helps structure a coherent and demanding training program.
For Fabienne, quality care also involves communication. She takes the time to explain pathologies, management options and medical decisions, so that patients can understand and participate in their care journey. This approach builds trust and supports fairer care.
The effects of this work are visible. Through patient satisfaction. Through the monitoring of clinical indicators such as the number of interventions and mortality rates. And through feedback from residents, who testify to the impact of the supervision and training received.
Among the outstanding experiences, Fabienne recalls the case of a six-year-old girl admitted for peritonitis in critical condition. The operation was complicated by an intraoperative cardiorespiratory arrest. The team remained mobilized despite the complications and prolonged hospitalization. The child’s discharge was a collective victory, made possible by teamwork and training.
“As a surgeon, every operation is an opportunity to make a difference. My work goes beyond the technical gesture; it brings hope, dignity and justice to those who need it most.”
By supporting Zanmi Lasante, you contribute directly to the training of medical teams, the continuity of residency programs and access to quality surgical care for patients who need it most. Support training and continuity of care in Haiti.