Claire Karekezi

Claire Karekezi (born 4 July 1982) is a Rwandan neurosurgeon at the Rwanda Military Referral and Teaching Hospital in Kigali, Rwanda. As the first female neurosurgeon in Rwanda, and one of the eight Rwandan neurosurgeons serving a population of 14 million, Karekezi serves as an advocate for women in neurosurgery. She has become an inspiration for young people pursuing neurosurgery, particularly young women.

Specializing in neuro-oncology and skull-base surgery, Karekezi served as the chairperson of the African Women in Neurosurgery (AWIN), Committee of the Continental Association of African Neurosurgical Societies (CAANS) from 2019 to 2023, and was elected as a member of the national council of the Rwanda Medical and Dental Council (RMDC) and the secretary of the Bureau for 2022–2026 and 2026-2030 terms.