By Sukhdev Chhatbar
Q: Professor Mhando, could you share what inspired you to pursue a career in medicine, particularly cardiology and how your early experiences shaped your approach to healthcare?
A: From a young age, I was fascinated by the way medical science could tangibly transform lives. During my early training at the University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM), I encountered patients suffering from various cardiac issues who often lacked accessible specialised care. My postgraduate exposure in Internal Medicine and subsequent cardiology studies at Lund University in Sweden deepened this interest: I saw firsthand how accurate diagnosis and tailored treatments could drastically improve outcomes. These formative experiences taught me that a patient-centric, compassionate approach – combined with continuous learning – was essential in delivering quality healthcare.
Q: Establishing the AICC Hospital must have been a significant undertaking. What were some of the challenges you faced during its inception and how did you overcome them?
A: When we established the AICC (Arusha International Conference Centre) Hospital, the challenges revolved around infrastructure, staffing and ensuring a consistent flow of essential resources. At the time, there were limited specialists in Northern Tanzania, so recruiting and training talent required a concerted effort. We also needed to secure advanced medical equipment, which involved building partnerships and demonstrating the hospital’s long-term value to potential donors and government bodies. Through persistent advocacy, careful planning and collaboration with both local and international stakeholders, we eventually built a facility capable of offering high-level medical services to the community.
Q: As Arusha’s first cardiologist, how did you see the field evolve in the region? What impact do you think your work has had on cardiology services in northern Tanzania?
A: When I began practising in Arusha, cardiology was a largely uncharted speciality in the region. Over time, I witnessed a steady increase in awareness about heart disease prevention, improved access to diagnostic tools like echocardiography and a growing network of medical professionals interested in cardiology. By helping set up specialised diagnostic and treatment protocols and by training other healthcare workers, I hope my efforts encouraged the growth of local expertise. This expansion meant patients no longer had to travel far for cardiology consultations, improving overall healthcare delivery in Northern Tanzania.
Q: Your work with the UN International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR) Clinic is highly regarded. Can you tell us about the inception of this clinic and its role?
A: The ICTR Clinic was established to address the healthcare needs of staff and detainees under the Tribunal’s mandate. I was responsible for offering medical care, maintaining health records and occasionally testifying in court regarding detainees’ health conditions. The clinic’s primary role was to ensure a consistent standard of care for everyone, regardless of their circumstances. This experience underscored the importance of impartial, ethical medical practices and inter-organisational collaboration, especially in complex humanitarian and legal settings.
Q: Throughout your career, how have you seen technological advancements influence medical practice, especially in cardiology?
A: Technological advancements have been transformative. Early on, we relied heavily on basic clinical evaluations, with limited imaging tools. Over the years, developments such as echocardiography, digital ECGs and more advanced imaging modalities have vastly improved our diagnostic accuracy. These technologies not only allow for earlier detection and better management of cardiac conditions, but also facilitate ongoing research that drives innovation in treatment protocols. In Tanzania, as more hospitals adopt these technologies, the overall standard of cardiology practice continues to rise.
Q: Looking back at your career, what do you consider your greatest achievement? Additionally, how important has mentorship been in your career and how have you approached mentoring the next generation of healthcare professionals?
A: One of my proudest achievements is founding the AICC Hospital and contributing to the establishment of sustainable healthcare structures in Arusha. Beyond that, seeing former students and younger colleagues become accomplished professionals has been deeply fulfilling. Mentorship has always been an integral part of my approach—passing on knowledge and nurturing a spirit of inquiry and compassion are crucial for any healthcare system’s growth. I believe in hands-on guidance, structured training, and consistent support to help upcoming professionals reach their full potential.
Q: What future developments do you hope to see in the healthcare sector in Arusha and what advice would you give to young medical professionals starting their careers here?
A: I hope to see further expansion in specialised services, improved training programmes and better infrastructure that make high-level diagnostic and treatment options accessible to all. Telemedicine, in particular, shows immense promise for bridging gaps in expertise. For young professionals, my advice is to stay curious, remain compassionate and invest in continuous education. By embracing new technologies and working collaboratively, they can help shape a healthcare system that meets the evolving needs of the community.
