Interview with Michael Weller

Michael Weller has been a member of the Foundation Board since 2023 and works with the medical team in Jimma on various projects and process optimizations. The current focus is on a comprehensive hygiene concept. Michael is a passionate mountain biker and took part in the last two bike tours in 2016 and 2019. He will be riding again in 2024 and raising funds. Here he talks about his responsibilities and the future.

Mr. Weller, after more than 30 years in international management, you retired from the corporate world at the end of 2022. What motivated you to devote yourself to the GO STAR Foundation?

I want to devote more time to the things that are close to my heart.

The GO STAR Foundation has always been one of those things for me, as it combines a great cause with my hobby, mountain biking. When my friend Pele asked me to join the foundation's board, I hesitated only briefly—I can't stand the sight of blood! But I am convinced that I can work for the foundation and pass on my many years of experience without picking up a scalpel.

You visited the hospital in Jimma three times this year. What were your goals?

My main focus was on building relationships with our team of doctors and the hospital and university management. I also tried to bring more structure to the local approach, especially as we are in the process of moving into a new hospital wing. It was important for me to understand the local situation, because only with a deeper understanding can we take measures that will be accepted and effective in the long term.

Since joining, you have been in regular contact with the medical team in Jimma. What improvements are you aiming for?

The local medical team is already excellent. But, as everywhere, there is room for improvement, especially in project management, communication, and building effective teams. That is why we decided to provide local training in the skills we considered essential. A two-day training course originally planned for nine doctors unexpectedly expanded to 42 participants, including hospital and university management. Over the two days, we developed a local version of our GO STAR vision and trained the participants in project management, communication, and team leadership. At the end of the training, each group drew up a rough project plan for realizing our vision. It was great!

What challenges do you see in implementing the GO STAR vision?

The challenges are certainly great, but I believe that regular visits to the site by Pele, myself, and other supporters can make a decisive difference. By working directly with the university and the hospital on an equal footing, we can remove obstacles and successfully build our trauma team.

Apart from your work for the foundation, you have experienced Ethiopia as a fantastic country. What would you recommend to adventurous donors?

Ethiopia has an incredible diversity of landscapes and peoples to offer. I would definitely recommend a trip there. And why not visit our hospital in Jimma as a highlight?

Finally, what is your goal for the future?

My main goal is to realize our vision of establishing the Jimma Orthopedic Trauma Center as a flagship project with an impact beyond Ethiopia. We want to strive to promote trauma surgery as a discipline not only in East Africa, but throughout Africa.