IARS 2026 International Outreach Travel Grant Interview: Yves Iradukunda Gatali, MD

Anaesthesia Care During National Surgical Outreach in Rwanda

Abstract Presentation:

IARS 2027 Annual Meeting, April 30 – May 2, 2027, at the Hilton Chicago Hotel, in Chicago, IL

After participating in national surgical outreach programs in Rwanda, Yves Iradukunda Gatali, MD, understands first-hand the challenges in delivering safe anesthesia and the life-changing impact of this surgical care in resource-limited and high-volume environments. Over time, his interest evolved into a passion for improving patient safety, consistency of care, and discovering how systems can be strengthened to support better perioperative outcomes. His investigations focus on national surgical outreach programs in Rwanda and discovering areas for improvement. Now an Anaesthesia and Critical Care Senior Resident, at the University of Rwanda in Kigali, Rwanda, Dr. Gatali hopes to identify current gaps and strengths to inform better clinical protocols, enhance patient monitoring, and promote safer practices, ultimately improving patient outcomes. His research focused on “Anaesthesia Care During National Surgical Outreach in Rwanda” was recently recognized for its potential to impact patient care positively with an IARS 2026 International Outreach Travel Grant. At the IARS 2027 Annual Meeting, April 30 to May 2, in Chicago, IL, Dr. Gatali will share the results of his investigations and how this work may lead to the development of structured guidelines for anesthesia delivery in outreach settings, reduced complications, and improved overall patient outcomes. Below, he shares his research journey, his passion for improving patient care in Rwanda and beyond and how this travel grant will impact his career and research in the future.

1. For this research, you are…

Principal investigator

2. What drew you to this area of research? Has it evolved?

My interest in this area developed through my direct participation in national surgical outreach programs in Rwanda. During these missions, I witnessed both the life-changing impact of surgical care and the real challenges faced in delivering safe anesthesia in resource-limited and high-volume environments. These experiences made me realize the importance of not only providing care but also understanding how that care can be improved.

Over time, my interest has evolved from simply participating in outreach activities to critically evaluating anesthesia practices within these settings. I became particularly interested in patient safety, consistency of care, and how systems can be strengthened to support better perioperative outcomes. This research reflects that transition from clinical observation to structured inquiry aimed at improving practice.

3. What are the goals you most want to accomplish with this research project?

The main goal of this research is to better understand how anesthesia care is currently delivered during national surgical outreach programs and to identify areas that can be improved. I aim to generate practical, evidence-based insights that can help guide safer anesthesia practices, improve perioperative management, and support better organization of outreach services.

Ultimately, I hope this work will contribute to developing standardized approaches that can be applied not only in Rwanda but also in other similar resource-limited settings.

4. What is the potential impact of your research on anesthesia and patient care?

This research has the potential to significantly improve the quality and safety of anesthesia care during outreach programs. By identifying current gaps and strengths, it can help inform better clinical protocols, enhance patient monitoring, and promote safer practices.

In the long term, the findings may support the development of structured guidelines for anesthesia delivery in outreach settings, reduce complications, and improve overall patient outcomes. It also contributes to strengthening the role of anesthesia within global surgical care initiatives.

5. How do you feel about receiving the IARS International Outreach Travel Grant?

I feel deeply honored and grateful to receive this grant. It is a meaningful recognition of the work being done in Rwanda and highlights the importance of improving anesthesia care in outreach and resource-limited settings.

This support is very motivating and encourages me to continue contributing to research and clinical improvement, knowing that this work is valued at an international level.

6. How will this grant affect your research and professional trajectory?

This grant will play an important role in my professional development. It will allow me to engage with international experts, learn from diverse experiences, and strengthen my research skills.

It will also open opportunities for collaboration, mentorship, and knowledge exchange, which are essential for advancing both my career and the quality of care I can provide. Ultimately, it will help me contribute more effectively to improving anesthesia practice locally and globally.

7. What are the benefits of presenting your research at the IARS Annual Meeting?

Presenting at the IARS Annual Meeting provides a valuable platform to share experiences from Rwanda with a global audience. It allows for meaningful discussions, constructive feedback, and exposure to new ideas and innovations in anesthesia and critical care.

This exchange of knowledge is essential for improving practice, building collaborations, and ensuring that lessons learned in one setting can benefit others around the world.

8. Is there anyone else you wish to acknowledge as part of this research team?

I would like to sincerely acknowledge Dr. Eugene Tuyishime for his mentorship, guidance, and continuous support throughout this project. His experience and encouragement have been instrumental in shaping both this research and my development as a clinician and researcher.

9. Outside of your research, what might someone be surprised to learn about you?

Outside of my clinical and research work, I am deeply passionate about mentorship and capacity building. I strongly believe in supporting and guiding young healthcare professionals, especially in settings where resources and opportunities may be limited.

I am also motivated by the broader goal of strengthening healthcare systems through education, collaboration, and continuous learning, which I see as essential for sustainable improvement in patient care.