12 November 2025

As the lead for King’s Global Health Partnerships’ work in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Dr Tissingh explains how she enjoys working in a team to solve complex issues, and that partnership working can help everyone have access to healthcare.

What is your role within King’s Health Partners?

I lead King’s Global Health Partnership’s (KGHP) work in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). I am also a full-time orthopaedic surgeon in the Limb Reconstruction and Bone Infection Unit at the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital, Stanmore.

What do you enjoy most about your role?

I really enjoy working in a team to wrestle with complex issues and figure out together what we can do to bring change. There are few things more rewarding than bringing people from different backgrounds, points of view, and lived experience - and together building something that brings change.

What inspired you to get into this work?

I believe that everyone, no matter where they are born or where they live, should be able to live life to their fullest potential. I wanted to contribute my time, skills, and energy to making that a reality.

How does your work impact the lives of patients/communities?

Our work in the DRC supports individuals, institutions and systems to provide high quality care. At the moment, we are working to reduce infections related to surgical care - approximately 20% of women undergoing C-sections suffer with this complication. Also, we’re working to improve outcomes for injured patients, for example from road traffic collisions.

What are the benefits of working in partnership?

Access to healthcare for all is about social justice and equity. Working in partnership, for me, is one of the best ways we can work together to achieve that.

What would be your one career top tip?

Figure out what your contribution to the world is, and do that to the best of your ability. It may take a while to figure out what that is and you may have a few false starts to get there, but be patient and find wise people to help guide you.

In October Dr Tissingh was awarded an honorary MBE for her outstanding services to health in the DRC. The honour, which recognises exceptional contributions by non-British citizens outside the standard honours cycle, celebrates her remarkable work to improve surgical care and strengthen health systems in one of the world’s most challenging contexts.

King’s Global Health Partnerships currently has volunteer opportunities for an Educator in Surgical Nursing in the DRC, and a Senior Obstetrician to support its maternal health project in Somaliland.