Postgraduate Orthopaedic Training in a Central Hospital in Malawi

Description

The presentation begins with an introduction from a speaker who has extensive experience in orthopedic training in Malawi, specifically in Blantyre. Jes Bates discusses the geographical layout of Malawi, highlighting its small size and division into three main regions (North, Central, and Southern), each with a central hospital. Notably, the Southern region has two hospitals due to its historical background, and the speaker mentions the current shortage of orthopedic specialists and training opportunities in the country.



The speaker recounts their personal journey into orthopedic training, starting with medical education in the UK and their eventual transition to working in Malawi. This includes their experiences in South Africa, which laid the groundwork for their skills in trauma surgery.



As the presentation progresses, it focuses on the development and current state of the orthopedic training program in Malawi, emphasizing the establishment of the College of Surgeons of East, Central, and Southern Africa (COSECSA) and its impact on surgical education. The speaker mentions the fellowship exam and highlights their own role as a pioneer within the program.



The discussion transitions to the challenges faced by the training program, including limited resources, a scarcity of orthopedic conditions beyond trauma, and financial constraints affecting trainees. Despite these challenges, the speaker expresses optimism about the growth of the program, mentioning ongoing training initiatives, partnerships with organizations, and an emphasis on mentorship.



The presentation concludes with a hopeful note, acknowledging that progress is being made 'little by little' towards strengthening the orthopedic training infrastructure in Malawi and ultimately improving patient care.

DOI: 10.1302/3114-251076

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