By: Awa Conteh
This week’s episode of Gambian Trailblazers shines a light on the remarkable journey of Ebou M. A. Cham, a Gambian-born Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) whose path has taken him from Forestry studies in The Gambia to leading roles in advanced surgical care at one of the busiest trauma centers, Harborview Medical Center in Seattle in the United States. His story is one of bold decisions, service, and a commitment to transforming healthcare delivery both at home and abroad.
Ebou’s educational path began at Kafuta Forestry Training School in Gambia. This field was far from where he would eventually make his mark. Life, however, had other plans. When he moved to the U.S., he made a significant career shift—one that was inspired by a desire to care for others and make a meaningful contribution to the healthcare system. He began his nursing journey and quickly discovered his passion for anesthesia. This led him to Georgetown University, one of the most prestigious schools in the field.
There, he not only excelled academically but also served as commencement speaker for the Department of Nurse Anesthesia. The experience of speaking on behalf of his peers at such a high-profile event marked a turning point for Ebou, reinforcing his belief that his voice and the voices of African healthcare professionals deserved a global stage.
“I didn’t start out thinking I’d end up here,” he told The Alkamba Times. “But I followed a calling to serve, and that calling has led me to some incredible places.”
Ebou now practices as a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) at a busy Level 1 Trauma Center in the U.S., where he supports complex surgical procedures across various specialties, including plastic surgery, orthopedics, and neurosurgery. His work is highly technical and time-sensitive, often requiring coordination with surgical teams during high-pressure situations.
During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, Ebou served as interim Chief CRNA at Harborview Medical Center in Washington State. In this leadership role, he oversaw staffing and training operations while supporting a team going through one of the most challenging periods in modern healthcare. For him, leadership during a crisis meant staying grounded, fostering resilience, and leading with empathy.
“We learned that resilience isn’t just about enduring,” he said. “It’s about adapting, leading with empathy, and never losing sight of why you started.”
Beyond his clinical responsibilities, Ebou is passionate about mentorship. He has guided aspiring CRNAs and ICU nurses, helping them with career pathways and training opportunities. For him, mentorship is about creating access, sharing knowledge, and building confidence in the next generation of healthcare professionals.
That same vision for empowerment led our trailblazer to co-found Roots Health Gambia, a nonprofit dedicated to improving healthcare delivery in The Gambia. The initiative provides hospitals and clinics with medical equipment and resources while also supporting training for healthcare workers. His goal, he says, is not just to improve facilities but to build sustainable systems driven by skilled personnel.
“I wanted to make sure that we’re not just sending equipment—we’re building people, empowering professionals, and transforming care delivery,” he explained.
Ebou’s work has also extended into health education and policy development. He contributed to the creation of the Nurse Anesthesia curriculum at the University of The Gambia (UTG), a significant step toward establishing a self-reliant cadre of anesthesia professionals in the country. The program is designed to train future Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) who can address critical needs in The Gambia’s operating rooms and critical care units.
In addition to his work in The Gambia, Ebou has participated in global health missions in Liberia and other parts of West Africa. These experiences have exposed him to the deep challenges faced by healthcare systems across the region and reinforced his belief in the importance of collaboration, training, and local investment.
He has also contributed to academic research and shared insights at major conferences, focusing on areas such as health system strengthening and anesthesia practices. Yet, for him, the most important lessons come not from textbooks or journals but from experience, teamwork, and the communities he serves.
“Don’t be afraid to dream differently,” he advised. “You might start in one field and end up in another, and that’s okay. What matters is how you show up, how you grow, and what you give back.”
Ebou M. A. Cham is proud of his roots and grateful for the opportunities that brought him where he is today. His story reminds us that the journey to impact is not always linear and that we are not limited by where we start but empowered by how far we are willing to go. What matters most is vision, dedication, and the willingness to lead with purpose.
As we close this week’s episode of Gambian Trailblazers, Ebou’s story makes a striking statement: Gambians are not just participants in the global healthcare system. They are leaders, innovators, and changemakers, both domestically and internationally.
