AMPATH Expands Focus to Obstetrics and Gynecology

Over the years, Indiana University has maintained a strong, full-time presence in Medicine and Pediatrics for AMPATH in Kenya.  We are excited to now complement that focus with a full-time presence in Obstetrics and Gynecology.  Dr. Sierra Washington has joined our team in Eldoret to lead our efforts on the part of the IU Department of OB/GYN. 

Sierra received her bachelor’s degree from Stanford University and obtained her MD from Harvard and her Master of Science from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine.  She finished her residency training in OB/GYN and Reproductive Services at the University of California at San Francisco last year and she has extensive experience working in infectious disease in Africa, both in Zambia and Cameroon.

Sierra was recruited to IU by Dr. Lee Learman, the current chair of the IU Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, who is excited to be putting the support of the department behind AMPATH.  Lee recognized her talents and interests as being assets to both IU and AMPATH.  Sierra will be helping to develop the OB/GYN residency program in global health issues as well as creating a new elective in Kenya for IU students who have an interest in OB/GYN and Maternal/Child Health in developing countries. 

While Sierra is on the ground in Kenya for the next two years, she will be working collaboratively with OB/GYN doctors from the University of Toronto and from Kenya.  Together, they will develop a continuum of care for obstetrics and gynecology.  This care will start in the homes and rural villages and continue to the health centers, district hospitals and the new Riley Mother and Baby Hospital in Eldoret. 

Sierra and her U of Toronto and Kenyan counterparts will work with all levels of health providers, from traditional birthing attendants to community health workers, nurses, clinical officers and medical doctors, in order to reduce infant and maternal morbidity and mortality.  They will lead research efforts to find answers to questions that are pertinent and relevant to the health of Kenyan woman and children and will work to train the next generation of leaders and health providers.