Dr. Isabella Epiu has etched her name in history as the first female anesthesiologist in East Africa to attain a Ph.D. degree. Dr. Epiu’s remarkable accomplishment is not only a personal triumph but also a significant milestone for the medical field in the region.
Dr. Epiu earned her Ph.D. in medicine, specializing in neuro-respiratory physiology and health economics, from the University of New South Wales in Sydney, Australia. Her areas of expertise encompass anesthesia, critical care medicine, emergency care medicine, intensive care, and pain medicine.
President Yoweri Museveni, in a speech read by Vice-President Jessica Alupo, expressed the nation’s pride in celebrating Dr. Isabella Epiu’s diligence, discipline, and outstanding contributions to the health sector. Museveni acknowledged her parents, guardians, sponsors, and the people of Ngora district for their crucial support, emphasizing that without their contribution, this achievement would not have been possible.
Describing Dr. Epiu’s journey as a “milestone,” President Museveni highlighted her numerous accolades in research, including awards from prestigious institutions such as the USA National Institutes of Health and the World Federation of Societies of Anesthesiologists.
Quoting Psalms 116:12-13 KJV, Museveni extended his heartfelt congratulations to Dr. Epiu and emphasized the Government’s pride in having her as a valuable resource for the nation. He urged young people to emulate her commitment to education, emphasizing its role in socioeconomic development.
Dr. Epiu’s father, Pastor Richard Epiu Honorat, addressed the challenge of brain drain from the African continent, emphasizing the importance of retaining talent for regional development.
In response, Dr. Isabella Epiu humbly attributed her achievements to God, describing her journey as a “miracle.” She expressed gratitude to the government of Uganda, State House, and the World Bank for the scholarships that supported her education. Dr. Epiu also commended President Museveni for enhancing surgical anesthesia in the country and emphasized the significance of a strong anesthesiology and critical care team in regional referral hospitals.
At 37 years old, Dr. Isabella Epiu stands as an inspiration, showcasing the transformative power of education and dedication to advancing healthcare in East Africa.
