International Education Consortium
UT Southwestern is proud to partner with the University of Zambia School of Medicine (UNZA) and other institutions in the region to strengthen education, training, and research in cardiovascular disease. This collaborative initiative is designed to equip cardiologists-in-training and non-cardiologist with the knowledge and confidence they would need to manage the rising burden of cardiovascular diseases in the region.
Together with our colleagues at UNZA, we have developed a dynamic virtual training program that includes regular lectures, electrocardiogram seminar and a comprehensive library of recorded sessions and education materials. We are extremely grateful to the UTSW Adult and Pediatric Cardiology Faculty and Fellows who have generously volunteered their time to support and mentor trainees at UNZA. Their commitment id helping shape the next generation of cardiovascular providers in sub-Saharan Africa and beyond.
Leadership
Dr. Lorrita Kabwe is Zambia’s first Consultant Interventional Cardiologist and serves as Chief of Adult Cardiology at the National Heart Hospital. She specializes in advanced cardiac procedures, including coronary angiography, coronary stenting, pacemaker implantation, and minimally invasive valve interventions. Dr. Kabwe holds multiple degrees and fellowships from institutions in Zambia, South Africa, and the United Kingdom. In addition to her clinical practice, she is an active educator, examiner, researcher, and course coordinator for Zambia’s Master of Specialized Medicine in Adult Cardiology program. Her work has helped advance cardiovascular care and specialist training throughout the country.
Dr. Agnes Mtaja is a Consultant Pediatrician and Pediatric Cardiologist with more than 15 years of experience. She serves as Medical Director of Zambia’s first cardiac institute and played a key role in establishing both the National Heart Hospital and the Pediatric Cardiology Training Program. Dr. Mtaja has led national initiatives focused on rheumatic heart disease and pediatric echocardiography training. She is an honorary lecturer at two major Zambian universities and has extensive experience in clinical outreach and capacity building. Her research focuses on congenital and rheumatic heart disease, and she currently chairs the Pediatric Noncommunicable Diseases Technical Working Group.
Dr. Fiona Strasserking is a cardiologist with more than 15 years of experience and serves as Course Director for the Cardiology Critical Care Unit at Parkland Health. She is Co-Coordinator of the Master of Specialized Medicine in Adult Cardiology program at the University of Zambia School of Medicine and a Visiting Professor of Internal Medicine. Working closely with local and international faculty, she helps oversee the delivery of an innovative curriculum and supports the training of postgraduate cardiology specialists. Her responsibilities include mentoring trainees, coordinating virtual instruction from UT Southwestern faculty, and strengthening educational partnerships that expand access to high-quality cardiovascular training. Dr. Strasserking joined the UT Southwestern faculty in 2022.