Reducing Colorectal Cancer Misdiagnosis

Colorectal cancer is a significant and growing healthcare burden in Kenya, with major diagnostic and treatment challenges, including misdiagnosis.

I joined the DREAM Project to offer a solution to an existing problem in the diagnosis of colorectal cancer. I am passionate about technology and innovation, and being in healthcare presented a unique opportunity to integrate these two fields and create something that could genuinely benefit society, and maybe even save someone's life one day. Having witnessed a close relative experience a misdiagnosis of colorectal cancer, I felt compelled to explore this field and contribute to reducing misdiagnosis rates. Colorectal cancer remains a significant healthcare burden in Kenya, with an increasing prevalence that continues to pose major diagnostic and treatment challenges. One thing that truly challenged me during the DREAM Project was seeing how many participants had already built real-world solutions to existing healthcare problems. It revealed the brilliance and potential within our medical school community: talented minds who often simply lack the platforms and opportunities to showcase their innovations. This underscored the need for more avenues like DREAM to empower more people to bring their ideas to life. The most important lesson I learned was the power of teamwork and interdisciplinary collaboration. No one can build a meaningful healthcare solution alone; feasibility and real-world applicability demand input from different fields. It is essential to consult colleagues and experts outside your own area because no one can be a master of everything. Another key takeaway from the project was learning the art of storytelling when pitching ideas. The concept of the "elevator pitch", being able to communicate your idea in two clear, compelling sentences, as if you have only two minutes in an elevator with someone like Elon Musk, is at the heart of successful startups and innovators. It forces you to refine your message, capture attention, and communicate value instantly. Overall, the DREAM Project has given me a broader perspective on the diverse areas within the medical field that require innovative solutions. There are so many untapped spaces where our input as healthcare professionals is desperately needed, and this experience has opened my eyes to the immense potential for innovation within our profession.