Partner and Volunteer Spotlight

Volunteer: Laura T. Withers, MD, FACS

Dr. Laura Withers is a critical care surgeon and core Surgical Critical Care Fellowship faculty at MaineHealth in Portland. Dr. Withers has been involved with the ACS H.O.P.E. Hawassa Hub for the past several years, bringing deep expertise and an unwavering commitment to improving wound and burn care. This past August, Dr. Withers spent more than 2 weeks at Hawassa University Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, focusing on hands-on capacity building. She trained nurses in aseptic technique, co-developed a quality improvement (QI) project with local staff, and collaborated across departments to enhance hygiene and daily dressing practices.

Dr. Withers led a half-day wound care training for nurses, co-created a practical dressing checklist, and helped launch a dedicated QI Telegram group to foster ongoing collaboration. She also contributed scrubs to address hygiene needs and sparked dialogue around long-term solutions for a dedicated burn unit. Her work exemplifies how sustained, respectful partnership can drive clinical impact. Dr. Withers continues to meet weekly with local colleagues and will return to support implementation. She embodies the spirit of ACS H.O.P.E. through action, humility, and shared vision.

Partner Spotlight: Martin Kangwa, BSc, MPH

Grivin Mulenga “Martin” Kangwa serves as the Program Coordinator for the ACS H.O.P.E. Lusaka Surgical Training Hub, playing a pivotal role in ensuring the program’s seamless day-to-day operations. With a background in education and a sharp eye for detail, Martin brings outstanding coordination, organizational, and communication skills to this complex, high-impact initiative. 

As the primary liaison for visiting volunteers, Martin oversees all paperwork for temporary medical licensure, manages in-country transportation and lodging, and serves as a consistent, reliable presence on the ground. A recent Master of Public Health graduate from the University of Lusaka, he also supports the implementation of clinical and educational programs, helps maintain close ties with the Surgical Society of Zambia, and ensures that information flows clearly to Zambian residents and staff. Martin’s calm, professional, and welcoming presence ensures that ACS H.O.P.E. volunteers feel safe, supported, and well cared for throughout their stay—making him an indispensable part of the program’s success.