Training Local Health Professionals and Capacity Building James A. Litch MD, DTMH Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; WA Department of Health, Epidemiology Office; University of Washington School of Medicine

Presentation Overview International health assistance Community based health projects National training curricula and training programs Finding your place Preparation and timing

Vertical Programs and Primary Care International aid projects continue to promote vertical programs Needs are great at the community/health post level Projects will demand a narrow focus, however health workers needs will be broader Be creative so knowledge can be applied broadly

Community Based Training Programs: Examples Mission Hospitals Peace Corps Small INGOs Individual arrangements

Community Based Training Programs: Pearls Great need for training of health providers Sites are often isolated from national resources Many trainers produce their own material Don’t re-invent; resources exist

National Training Curricula and Training Programs Most countries have established health training programs These commonly focus on: –Reproductive Health –Child Health/Immunizations –Logistic Supply Good materials exist within county or in the region

International Organizations Partnered with Ministry of Health JHPIEGO – FP, Safemotherhood, HIV, Infection Prevention, Training Trainers, National Training Systems INTRAH/PRIME II – FP, Safemotherhood, Adolescent Health Engender Health – FP, Infection Prevention, HIV, Adolescent Health UNFPA/UNICEF – Family Planning, Safemotherhood JSI – Child Survival, Logistic Supply

Finding Your Place Resources are available for use; check with local health ministry and partner international agencies A few positions exist with international agencies developing material and training systems

Preparation Training: –Broad clinical skills: family practice residency training –Diploma in Tropical Medicine and Hygiene Experience (volunteer): –Clinical teaching at home –Short-term overseas clinical work

A Gradual Process Significant overseas experience is required for long-term positions with international training agencies Volunteer positions are a fast start to international experience Build experience gradually and it will pay off

Medical Tourism Source : Bishop RA and Litch JA. Medical tourism can do harm. BMJ 2000 Apr 8;320(7240): DEFINITION: Exotic travel to a developing region with a brief opportunity to practice medicine on local residents

Medical Tourism vs Health Development Facilitate learning that impacts practice Treating individual patients yourself