Dr. Claire Karekezi is the first and sole female neurosurgeon in all of Rwanda and has served as a consultant neurosurgeon at the Rwandan Military Hospital in the country’s capital, Kigali, since 2018.
While studying at the University of Rwanda, Dr. Karekezi traveled to Sweden, where she discovered her enthusiasm for neurosurgery. Her mentor and “father in neurosurgery,” Dr. Jan Hillman granted her access to observe a brain tumor surgery, leaving her both intrigued and determined to work in that field.
Dr. Claire Karekezi has become an inspiration to young people interested in pursuing careers in STEM, especially to young girls. While the task of being one of only five neurosurgeons serving a population of 12 million is daunting, Dr. Karekezi is dedicated to implementing what she has learned to improve the quality of health care in her country.