Beyond the Savannah: From Cattle Grazing to Becoming a Surgeon

In the breathtaking volcanic caldera landscape of northern Tanzania lies the Ngorongoro Crater, where the savannah grasslands, lakes, forests, woodlands and swamps converge in a majestic ecosystem. This is where young Lingato's journey to becoming a surgeon began. Born and raised in a traditional Maasai pastoral society, Lingato's path to education was not predetermined. In fact, his early years were spent herding cattle, a skill he mastered with ease, and one that earned him his father's admiration. However, Lingato's innate thirst for knowledge and ambition proved to be the catalyst for a remarkable transformation.

As he began his formal education at a relatively late age, Lingato's aptitude for learning quickly became apparent. "When I started primary grade one, I was already able to read," he recalls with a smile. "During my free time after cattle grazing, I would often ask those who could read to teach me, and that's how I acquired my reading skills even before starting school." This remarkable autodidactic ability earned him recognition and support from his father, who, along with other education initiatives for pastoral societies, enabled Lingato to move from primary into secondary school.

It was during his high school years that Lingato first encountered FAME in 2015. As part of a school project on tuberculosis, Lingato and his colleagues were assigned to conduct research at FAME. "I still vividly remember the warm reception we received from the FAME team," Lingato says. "We were a group of 10 students, and a doctor was assigned to guide us. With their support, our project was a resounding success." This experience not only deepened Lingato's understanding of the medical field but also sparked a desire to make a meaningful impact in his community.

After graduating with his Bachelor's degree, Lingato completed an internship at the prestigious Muhimbili National Hospital in Tanzania. When an opportunity arose in 2022, Lingato's impressive performance during the interview earned him a position at FAME Hospital. He was finally returning to his home region, giving him the chance to serve the very communities that he comes from.

Since then, his ambition to excel has been supported and nurtured by FAME’s ongoing commitment to staff development and capacity building. From being a general medical doctor to performing complex surgeries like laparotomies, hernia repairs and gynecological procedures, Dr. Lingato's professional growth has been remarkable.

Today, Dr. Lingato is an integral part of FAME's healthcare team, providing specialized care for patients with non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, hypertension and thyroid abnormalities. As he celebrates the arrival of his third child, Dr. Lingato remains steadfast in his commitment to FAME's philosophy of patient-centered care.

"A hospital is not just a place where patients receive treatment; it's where they should feel valued, cared for and supported," he emphasizes. "As healthcare professionals, we must address the whole person, not just their medical condition."

Reflecting on his journey, Dr. Lingato is grateful for the opportunity to have pursued his education, which allowed him to care for his ailing father in his final days. "My father lived to see the fruits of his labor, and for that, I am eternally grateful," he says, his voice filled with emotion. "Being part of FAME has enabled me to grow professionally and personally. I feel at home here, and I look forward to continuing my growth and service to the community."

At FAME, our commitment to staff development is at the heart of everything we do, and it's in our name. Comprehensive training programs empower healthcare professionals like Dr. Lingato to grow in their fields and provide the highest quality care. By investing in the skills and expertise of our team, FAME removes barriers to care and strengthens the health of the communities we serve.

Dr. Lingato’s journey is just one of many; with 21 doctors, 80 nurses and 237 staff members there are hundreds of stories like his, all made possible by FAME and by you. This Thanksgiving, you can give a gift that keeps on giving: the gift of education, training and skill-building for our team. Every investment in FAME is an investment in the future of healthcare in Tanzania, transforming the lives of both patients and the professionals who care for them.

Dr. Lingato, his wife and their newborn third child