Dr. Brisighelli chose to specialize in pediatrics because she believed it would allow her to establish a strong connection with patients and positively impact their outcomes. Under the mentorship of Dr. Marc Levitt, she has focused on mastering Posterior Sagittal Anorectoplasty (PSARP) procedures for patients with anorectal malformations. Dr. Brisighelli now feels more confident in performing these specific procedures and successfully completes around 20 PSARPs and 12 pull-throughs per year. However, there is a waitlist of approximately 80 patients, highlighting the significant demand for these surgeries, especially when compared to high-income countries.

South Africa is ranked #53 in terms of healthcare quality, with a population of 59.39 million people and approximately 11 surgeons per 100,000 individuals. The country faces significant health inequalities, and poverty levels have been rapidly increasing since 2015, making it even more challenging for people to access affordable healthcare.

Dr. Brisighelli believes that witnessing the impact of her surgical care is intrinsically linked to providing proper colorectal follow-up for patients. Over the course of her 8-year professional relationship with Dr. Levitt, he emphasized the importance of long-term follow-up care and the value of sharing knowledge and uplifting others. Dr. Brisighelli strives to do the same in her own practice, and she believes that many families and fellow surgeons are benefiting from this approach.

We are proud to have Dr. Brisighelli as part of our Ohana, and we eagerly anticipate following her journey of surgical training and professional growth.