Complete Story
09/30/2026
Seeing Surgery from New Perspectives
Summer Scholar, Cynthia Bukirwa, explored pediatric surgical research at Nationwide Children’s Hospital and returned to Honduras as a medical student.
This summer, OSMA Foundation Summer Scholar Cynthia Bukirwa conducted clinical research at Nationwide Children’s Hospital investigating the use of robotic tele-ultrasound with AI-driven decision support for pediatric surgical patients.
Her work explored how the technology could improve diagnostic imaging and expand access to care, particularly for patients in underserved communities. Through retrospective chart review and data collection, Cynthia saw firsthand the attention to detail required to turn individual clinical encounters into meaningful research.
“I gained a greater appreciation for the attention to detail required to transform clinical encounters into meaningful data and, more importantly, how research can inform clinical decision-making and improve patient care.” |
Connecting Research to Patient Care
Cynthia also shadowed her mentor in the operating room and clinic, giving her the chance to connect the questions she was studying with the care patients received.
“Beyond research, I shadowed my mentor in both the operating room and clinic, allowing me to connect our research questions with patient care and gain greater insight into a career in surgery.” |
Returning to Honduras as a Medical Student
Cynthia ended her summer by returning to Honduras with a surgical mission team she has worked with for four years. This trip was different: for the first time, she returned as a medical student.
With greater clinical knowledge, she was able to take on a more hands-on role in the operating room under the direct supervision of her mentors. Over one week, she observed approximately 50 procedures spanning orthopedic surgery, gynecology and general surgery.
“Given my interest in global health, working alongside Honduran physicians and nurses was invaluable in expanding my clinical perspective and preparing me to serve patients from diverse backgrounds.” |
Continuing the Work
Cynthia’s research will continue beyond the summer. She will remain at Nationwide Children’s as a student researcher throughout the academic year and continue working with her mentor. She also submitted an abstract for presentation at the Nationwide Children’s Hospital Surgical Research Conference.
“I am deeply grateful to the Summer Scholars donors and supporters whose generosity made this summer of mentorship, research, and growth possible. Their generosity gave me time to learn from patients, mentors, and data, and I will carry what it taught me into every patient encounter ahead.”
Support Future Summer ScholarsThrough the OSMA Foundation Summer Scholars Program, medical students like Cynthia can pursue meaningful summer experiences that expand their learning and help shape their journeys in medicine. |
We also accept grants from Donor Advised Funds (DAF). Simply provide your DAF Sponsor with the following:
EIN# is 31-0907287 and organization listed as Ohio Medical Education Foundation • 4400 N High St. Ste. 304 Columbus, OH 43214