Training pediatric hematologist/oncologists for capacity building in Ethiopia.
Pediatr Blood Cancer
; 67(12): e28760, 2020 12.
Article
en En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-33049116
ABSTRACT
PURPOSE:
A considerable barrier to global pediatric oncology efforts has been the scarcity and even absence of trained professionals in many low- and middle-income countries, where the majority of children with cancer reside. In 2013, no dedicated pediatric hematology-oncology (PHO) programs existed in Ethiopia despite the estimated annual incidence of 6000-12000 cases. The Aslan Project initiative was established to fill this gap in order to improve pediatric cancer care in Ethiopia. A major objective was to increase subspecialty PHO-trained physicians who were committed to practicing locally and empowered to lead programmatic development.METHODS:
We designed and implemented a PHO training curriculum to provide a robust educational and clinical experience within the existing resource-constrained environment in Ethiopia. Education relied on visiting PHO faculty, a training attachment abroad, and extraordinary initiative from trainees.RESULTS:
Four physicians have completed comprehensive PHO subspecialty training based primarily in Ethiopia, and all have remained local. Former fellows are now leading two PHO centers in Ethiopia with a combined capacity of 64 inpatient beds and over 800 new diagnoses per year; an additional former fellow is developing a pediatric cancer program in Nairobi, Kenya. Two fellows currently are in training. Program leadership, teaching, and advocacy are being transitioned to these physicians.CONCLUSIONS:
Despite myriad challenges, a subspecialty PHO training program was successfully implemented in a low-income country. PHO training in Ethiopia is approaching sustainability through human resource development, and is accelerating the growth of dedicated PHO services where none existed 7 years ago.Palabras clave
Texto completo:
1
Colección:
01-internacional
Asunto principal:
Pediatría
/
Médicos
/
Educación de Postgrado en Medicina
/
Becas
/
Hematología
/
Oncología Médica
/
Neoplasias
Límite:
Child
/
Humans
País/Región como asunto:
Africa
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Pediatr Blood Cancer
Asunto de la revista:
HEMATOLOGIA
/
NEOPLASIAS
/
PEDIATRIA
Año:
2020
Tipo del documento:
Article
País de afiliación:
Etiopia