Baystate Health Gastroenterologist Makes History with First-Ever ERCP Training in Ghana

SPRINGFIELD, Mass — Baystate Health announced today that Dr. Kais Zakharia, a gastroenterologist recently completed a landmark medical mission to Ghana, where he delivered the first-ever training in Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) ever offered in the country.

ERCP is a minimally invasive procedure used to diagnose and treat complex biliary diseases. Prior to this training, patients in Ghana with these conditions faced no alternative but invasive surgery which is a far riskier path. By equipping local gastroenterologists with this advanced technique, Dr. Zakharia's mission created an immediate and lasting impact on patient care across the region.

"Seeing it all come together in real time, patients receiving effective, minimally invasive care, and local doctors gaining skills that would stay with them long after the visit ended, was the most meaningful part of the experience," said Dr. Zakharia.

This was not Dr. Zakharia's first visit to Ghana. In 2024, he traveled to the country to train local physicians in general gastrointestinal procedures, laying the groundwork for this more advanced, focused mission. His connection to Ghana stems from a long-standing collaboration with his mentor, Professor Lewis Roberts, from the Mayo Clinic, a physician originally from Ghana, who extended the invitation for both visits.

The mission reflects the broader values that drive the team at Baystate Health, delivering compassionate, quality care where it is needed most, whether in Springfield or across the globe.

About Baystate Health

Baystate Health is a not-for-profit, integrated healthcare system with hospitals, physician practices, health plan and more serving over 800,000 people throughout western New England. Baystate Health is the safety net provider in Western Massachusetts. With roots dating to the founding of Springfield Hospital in 1883, Baystate Health has been providing high-quality, compassionate and accessible care in the Pioneer Valley for more than 140 years and continues to be a pillar of its community – rooted here, serving here, and helping generations thrive here. With a focus on advancing health for all, Baystate is not only a keystone of the region, it is a national leader in healthcare.