Trainers Support Ideas to Work Together in Training the ‘Next Generation Of Surgeons’, Brachenhurst, February 4th, 2015

Trainers from different programs met at Brackenhurst on Wednesday   the 4th of February 2015 and explored the role of program directors (PD), features of an ideal program and shared challenges experienced in training. Highlighted roles of PDs included selection and firing of residents, overall scheduling (rounds, didactics, M&M, tumor boards, journal club, calls), rotation scheduling, assessments and feedback, administration of discipline, development of program handbook, work plan and budget,  establishment of a residency training council and a program for mentorship, leadership, professionalism and spiritual growth.  Key strengths of program identified were adequacy volumes and case mixes, low residents to faculty ratios, program directors supported by residency training committees, supporting administrations, availability of adequate critical care beds and curricula that have leadership embedded within the content.  As opposed to the PAACS and the Aga Khan programs, residents in the public institutions pay tuition fee and many times, take up extra jobs to raise money for upkeep. This dilutes the focus in training. Other challenges include absentee supervision, selection dilemma when PDs are not involved in recruitment, conflicts with overarching institutional policies (e.g. PDs not in institutional statutes) and leadership training not mainstreamed in most curricula. Present at the meeting were representatives from COSECSA, University of Nairobi, PAACS, SSK, Tenwek program, Aga Khan University, Egerton University, Kijabe program and Moi University.