Q&A with Rebecca Nansubuga
"Life-saving tools shouldn't be a luxury."
Rebecca Nansubuga
MESc Candidate, Biomedical Engineering
What project are you working on?
The open-source surgical fracture table was developed to improve access to orthopedic surgery in low-resource settings. The table provides the core functions of commercial models but at a fraction of the cost (US$3,000 cost of materials), using 3D printing and locally sourced materials. The fracture table is to undergo design refinement and testing for mechanical stability, clinical usability, and regulatory alignment in order to make it easier to build, repair, and adaptable locally.
What problem(s) are you solving? as your orientation week experience like as a first-year student?
Orthopedic fracture tables are essential for performing orthopedic surgeries, but their high cost (up to US$200,000) hinder surgical care accessibility in low-resource regions. Many health facilities in these regions use models are often outdated and hard to maintain due to unavailability of spare parts, and yet donations received are often not tailored to these settings.
What brought you to this research?
Growing up in Uganda, I witnessed firsthand how limited access to surgical equipment compromises patient care. During my engineering studies, I became passionate about designing medical technologies that are not only innovative but also accessible. This project brings together my commitment to health equity, design for low-resource settings, and the belief that life-saving tools shouldn't be a luxury.
