University of Nairobi

What you'll study

The MMed in General Surgery is a competency‑based surgical residency combining clinical rotations, operative training, taught coursework and an independent research project. Trainees undertake supervised service and education across a broad range of surgical disciplines to develop diagnostic, operative and perioperative management skills.

• Core clinical rotations: emergency and trauma surgery, gastrointestinal and colorectal surgery, hepatopancreatobiliary surgery, breast and endocrine surgery, vascular surgery, paediatric surgery, surgical oncology, and minimally invasive/laparoscopic surgery.
• Supportive specialties: anaesthesia and intensive care, radiology and interventional imaging, pathology, oncology, microbiology and critical care medicine for perioperative management.
• Taught modules and seminars: surgical anatomy, surgical physiology, evidence‑based surgery, perioperative medicine, surgical ethics, clinical audit and quality improvement, research methodology and biostatistics.
• Skills development: progressive hands‑on operative experience with escalating responsibility, supervised clinics, theatre practice, endoscopic skills, trauma team leadership, simulation sessions and morbidity & mortality meetings.
• Research and dissertation: design and conduct of an original research project or clinical audit, culminating in a written dissertation and oral defence as part of the exit requirements.
• Assessment: continuous workplace‑based assessments, maintenance of a surgical logbook, written examinations (often early/part I style) and final clinical/OSCE viva examinations, plus evaluation of the dissertation.

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to hold a recognised medical qualification (MBChB or equivalent) and be fully registered with the national medical regulatory authority. Typical entry requirements include:

• Completed internship and full registration with the Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council or equivalent.
• Evidence of clinical experience, usually with at least a period of post‑internship practice in relevant clinical settings.
• Letters of recommendation from senior clinicians or employers endorsing suitability for specialist surgical training.
• Successful performance at an institutional selection process which may include application review, interview and assessment of clinical competence.
• Ability to commit to full‑time clinical training in a hospital setting and to fulfil requirements for service, academic coursework and research.

Career prospects

Graduates of the MMed General Surgery programme are qualified to work as consultant general surgeons in tertiary, regional and private hospitals. Common career pathways include:

• Consultant or specialist surgeon in public or private hospitals, managing a broad range of general surgical conditions and emergency cases.
• Subspecialty training via fellowships (e.g. colorectal, hepatobiliary, vascular, paediatric surgery, surgical oncology or minimally invasive surgery) for those seeking focused practice.
• Academic and teaching roles within medical schools and training hospitals, including supervising junior doctors and contributing to undergraduate and postgraduate education.
• Roles in clinical governance, surgical service development, hospital administration and quality improvement.
• Participation in research, public health initiatives, surgical outreach or positions with non‑governmental organisations focused on surgical care delivery.

Why study at University of Nairobi

The University of Nairobi delivers surgical specialist training through its College of Health Sciences with strong clinical integration at major referral hospitals. Trainees benefit from high patient volumes, diverse case‑mix and access to multidisciplinary teams, which are essential for comprehensive operative experience.

• Clinical exposure: Affiliated teaching hospitals provide a broad spectrum of elective and emergency surgical cases, enabling trainees to build competency across common and complex procedures.
• Experienced faculty: Training is delivered by consultant surgeons and academics with experience in clinical care, research and postgraduate education.
• Research and academic support: Structured support for the dissertation, access to academic resources and opportunities to present and publish clinical research.
• Career network: Being part of the University of Nairobi’s medical community provides links to national referral centres, professional bodies and postgraduate examination structures relevant to surgical practice.