World Orthopaedic Concern UK

International Fellow - Malawi

Proposed period of time: 12 months. (6 months approved by the SAC.)

Centers: Beit Trust CURE Hospital , and Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital, Blantyre, Malawi, E.Africa.

 .

Coordinator:                 

                                               Mr John Cashman, BM.FRCS(T&Orth)

                                               Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon

Beit Trust CURE Hospital

Blantyre,

MALAWI,

East Africa.

*email: johnc@curehospital.mw

*Preferred means of communication

Introduction:                          

                                                Not only is Malawi one of the most beautiful of African nations, but its people are also exceptionally friendly and hospitable. This Fellowship offers a rare opportunity to gain first-class experience of orthopaedics in a developing country. This post not only offers exceptional clinical experience, but also the chance to join an accomplished research program. The unit has published their world leading experience in septic arthritis and also offers an internationally renowned club-foot program. There is thus plenty of scope for joining in with departmental research and nearly all the recent registrars have authored or contributed to highly regarded international publications.

To gain from the experience of working within an orthopaedic service in a developing country, and contribute to undergraduate and postgraduate training programs in orthopaedics and to assist with Orthopaedic Clinical Officer education.

To learn from and experience some of the problems and solutions encountered working in a different cultural and financial setting.

This fellowship would be of particular benefit to any trainee, who:

• Is considering working in a developing country in the future

• has an interest in training and / or research

• has a particular interest in paediatric orthopaedics, bone and joint infection, or wishes to gain experience and  a better understanding of basic principles of the conservative management of trauma

• has an interest in global health issues
   

Possible schedule

Two six month placements working under each of our UK consultants:

Mr Jim Harrison (Medical Director and Research Coordinator)

Interests:

• Bone and Joint Sepsis, Musculo-skeletal sequelae of HIV

• Lower Limb arthroplasty

• Adult and paediatric trauma

• General paediatric orthopaedics

Mr John Cashman (Director of Training)

Interests:

• Paediatric Orthopaedics and Traumatology

• Limb Reconstruction

• Adult and paediatric trauma

General Duties and Opportunities

-     attend clinics and theatre sessions (each team has 9 operating sessions per week)

-     help with teaching of OCOs both clinical and possibly classroom

-     perform weekly day trip visits to surrounding DGH’s assisting resident OCOs with opd clinic problems and advising, encouraging and teaching them in afternoon theatre sessions.

-     be involved with ongoing research projects

-     accompany the surgical teams on monthly trips to the North and central region of the country for provision of clinics and surgery.

Thereafter possibilities would be dependent on experience, skills and length of stay.

Facilities:                         

                                              Rental of good quality accommodation in Blantyre,

                                              Transport will be provided for medical commitments. No guarantee is given that a vehicle would be available for travel and weekend recreation, though sometimes this is possible.

                                              Good nearby facilities of Blantyre with Sports club for swimming pool, squash, tennis, golf etc.

Good potential for cycling (especially mountain biking -though care needed on roads,) climbing, walking and diving)
 

Recommendations:   

                                            This is not to be viewed as a holiday.

                                            Although great fun, conditions and work demand                                             appropriate motivation (and often patience together with a                                             sense of humour.

                                            Candidates ideally should be in their last three years of                                             training,

Have a current UK driving license and be physically fit.

Visas or work permits are not required, as the fellow is not in paid employment or practicing autonomously.

Take at least a 10 day holiday at the end. The country is stunning, as is adjacent Mozambique and Zimbabwe.

Talk to a previous volunteer prior to applying. Also discuss what to and what not to take with you.

Seek early approval of your own hospital consultants, the regional postgraduate dean, the SAC, the Regional Advisor in Orthopaedics, and hospital postgraduate tutor and PMETB.  This chronological order of affirming approval is often the most appropriated. As the process is in constant flux, we suggest you correspond with the incumbent fellow for advice.

Even if there are problems with taking unpaid leave, you may be eligible for up to two months (or even more) of paid study leave and of a further month of salaried annual leave.

Notify World Orthopaedic Concern via Mr K. Tuson regarding your application.

Apply early for funding:

• WOC
• Furlong Foundation (via Prof Chris Lavy)
• Rotary Club Great Britain
• Local charities
• Drug companies and Orthopaedic manufacturers.

Approximate Costs:

                        Airfare BA direct -        circa £650 rtn

                        Accommodation -          400 - 600 US $ / month resident

                        (includes all bills, including washing and ironing)

                        Cheap living expenses -             circa 150 – 300 US$ / month         

Further Information:          John Cashman

Applications to:                     Mr John Cashman

BY EMAIL to  johnc@curehospital.mw