Building a gastroenterology fellowship programme in Rwanda: a model of international partnerships and sustainable capacity building - Summary - MDSpire
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Building a gastroenterology fellowship programme in Rwanda: a model of international partnerships and sustainable capacity building
To address the shortage of gastroenterologists in Rwanda through the establishment of a locally developed fellowship program aimed at improving GI care.
Approach:
Program Development: The GI fellowship program was established by the Ministry of Health in collaboration with the University of Rwanda and international partners, focusing on local training supported by visiting faculty from various international institutions.
Training Structure: The program includes rotations at international centers, such as the Medical College of Wisconsin and Midas Institute of Gastroenterology in India, mentorship roles for graduates, and opportunities for advanced training in specialized areas.
Key Findings:
The first two cohorts of fellows graduated as certified subspecialists, contributing to the training of subsequent cohorts.
GI procedure access tripled over 2 years, reaching approximately 2000 procedures annually.
Full-time GI and hepatology services were established at the University Teaching Hospital of Butare, improving service decentralization.
Interpretation:
The fellowship program has increased the number of trained gastroenterologists in Rwanda, as evidenced by the graduation of the first two cohorts and the establishment of full-time GI services.
Limitations:
Initial shortage of local gastroenterology specialists and trained faculty, which impacted the program's early development.
Challenges in developing advanced subspecialty training in interventional procedures, limiting the scope of training.
Conclusion:
The program has successfully increased the number of trained gastroenterologists in Rwanda, addressing workforce challenges in GI care.
by Hanna Aberra, Kulwinder S Dua, Dirk J Van Leeuwen, Florence Masaisa, Gamal Salah, Vincent Dusabejambo, Eric Rutaganda, Kara Neil, Janvier Murayire, Emile Sebera, Augustin Sendegeya, Innocent Dadamessi, Zerihun Abebe, Menelas Nkeshimana, Frederick Makrauer, Timothy Walker, Steve Bensen, Berhane Redae
