Dr. Mumba Chalwe-Kaja has emerged as a pioneering force in African medicine. She broke barriers by becoming Zambia’s first female urological surgeon. Her remarkable journey combines surgical excellence with advocacy for women in medicine.
Breaking Ground in African Urology
The trailblazing surgeon leads the Urology Department at Ndola Teaching Hospital. She also serves as a urologist with Zambia’s Ministry of Health. Her 15-year career spans clinical practice, research, and medical education.
Dr. Chalwe-Kaja’s passion for urology stemmed from her desire to challenge norms in this male-dominated field. She recognized Zambia’s need for female representation in urology. This motivation drove her to pursue this challenging specialty.
“Medicine was always a childhood dream,” she told the Zambian Observer. “I love challenges and the surgical field offered this.”
Academic Excellence and Global Recognition
Her educational journey began at Rayzan Medical University, where she earned her doctorate. She later completed her master’s in urology at the University of Zambia.
In 2019, Stanford University’s Urology Department selected her as their first William Crain Global Surgical Fellow. She specialized in uro-oncology during this prestigious appointment.
Her achievements earned her the PUSH Women’s Award in 2018. That same year, COSECSA awarded her their Gold Medal for academic excellence.
Advancing African Medicine Through Research and Education
As Principal Investigator at the Tropical Disease Research Centre, Dr. Chalwe-Kaja leads crucial prostate cancer research. She contributes significantly to The Annals of African Surgery as an Associate Editor.
She authored “The Beginners Guide to Urology” to help aspiring doctors in developing nations. The book aims to make urology more accessible and understandable.
Currently, she chairs the Women in Surgery Africa board at COSECSA. She co-founded Stiletto Ink, focusing on adult sexual and reproductive health.
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