The African Trauma Initiative (ATI) was developed out of a partnership between orthopedic trauma surgeons from The University of Kansas Health System and The Saint Paul Millennium Medical College in Ethiopia.
During this partnership, in which the goal has been to train orthopedic surgeons to deliver state-of-the-art trauma care, it became apparent that this simply is not enough. While the surgeons in this program develop the necessary skills, they do not have the proper equipment to effectively treat their patients and save lives.
The purpose of the African Trauma Initiative is to produce self-sustaining trauma hospitals in Africa that provide state-of-the-art trauma care. It aims to do this through an international post-graduate surgical training program, collaborative research, and obtaining the necessary medical equipment for trauma care performance.
Together We Can Give the Gift of Life, Function, Independence, and Happiness!
For more information, visit us here.
Dr. Archie Heddings, MD
Faculty Advisor of the African Trauma Initiative
Dr. Archie Heddings is currently an associate professor in Orthopedic Surgery at the University of Kansas Medical Center. He is also the fellowship director for the University of Kansas International Orthopedic Trauma Fellowship. He has a passion for international healthcare work and has focused some of his work on Orthopedic Surgery in Ethiopia, Romania, and Zambia. Dr. Heddings is a co-founder and faculty advisor to the African Trauma Initiative. He has presented and published research in a variety of areas related to Orthopedic Surgery and has ongoing projects ranging from a local to international level.
Dr. Solomon Goshu Mengistu, MD
Co-founder of ATI and Regional Representative for Ethiopia
Dr. Solomon Goshu Mengistu is an assistant professor of Orthopedic Surgery and research coordinator at Saint Paul’s Millennium Medical College in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. His medical practice is at AaBET Trauma and Burn Hospital in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, where he practices orthopedic trauma surgery as well as trains future surgeons. He is one of the first graduates of the International Trauma Fellowship Program at KUMC and has returned to Ethiopia to provide orthopedic trauma care for his community, as the first foot and ankle surgeon in Ethiopia.
Jack Ayres, MS4
President of ATI and Medical Student at the University of Kansas School of Medicine
Jack Ayres is a fourth-year medical student at the University of Kansas School of Medicine and plans to pursue residency in orthopedic surgery following graduation in 2023. Originally from Overland Park, KS. Jack graduated with a degree in Chemical Engineering from Kansas State University in 2018. Throughout his education, Jack has enjoyed being involved in student government where he was able to play an active role in two of his central interests: advocacy and mentorship. Jack’s passion for international health outcomes was greatly influenced and supported by his mentor, Dr. Archie Heddings.
Dr. Abiy Worku Haile, MD
Co-founder of ATI and Regional Representative for Ethiopia
Dr. Abiy Worku Haile is an associate professor of Orthopedic Surgery at Saint Paul’s Millennium Medical College in Addis Aba, Ethiopia. His medical practice is at AaBET Trauma and Burn Hospital in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, where he practices orthopedic trauma surgery as well as trains future surgeons. He is one of the first graduates of the International Trauma Fellowship Program at KUMC. Dr. Abiy’s interests within orthopedic care include pelvic and acetabular fractures as well as hip and knee replacements. Dr. Abiy exhibits a passion to provide high-quality care for all his patients, including those back home in Ethiopia.
