Dr Sylvia Shitsama

Jomo Kenyatta University

Dr Sylvia Shitsama is a consultant neurosurgeon and a lecturer at the School of Medicine, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT). She is the lead neurosurgeon at a county referral hospital managing both pediatric and adult neurosurgical conditions where she has been instrumental in creating awareness and championing for improved care for patients with hydrocephalus and spina bifida.

She recently received the inaugural Congress of Neurological Surgeons foundation future women leaders in neurosurgery award and has also been recognized twice as a top 40 under 40 women by the Business Daily newspaper in Kenya for her efforts in mentoring youth to pursue careers in science.

As a mentor keen on empowering people in STEM, she serves in several local and international leadership roles. She is the mentorship lead, JKUAT school of medicine, committee member Women in Neurosurgery (WIN), committee member World Federation of Neurological Surgeons (WFNS), training committee member in the Surgical Society of Kenya and Chairperson WIN Kenyan chapter.

With her unique combination of Neurosurgery clinical training, passion and expertise in medical education and her commitment to mentoring, Dr Shitsama serves as a bridge in surgical workforce capacity building and enhancing quality of care for neurosurgery patients.