Report on Module 1, 2018 – Trauma module / Research module

 

 

Module 1 was held at the Modilon Hospital and the Madang Lodge Conference room in Madang, Papua New Guinea(PNG) from January 29th to February 16th, 2018. This was the first time we combined two courses in one module over 3 weeks and the first time we have held the Research module There were 14 trainees in the Trauma module and 20 trainees attended the first ever Research module. They are Dr. Shaun Mauiliu and Areta Samuelu from Apia in Samoa, Dr. Kabiri Itaka from Kiribati, Dr. Stephen Kodovaru, Dr. Alex Munamua, Dr. James Tewa’ani and Dr. Clay Siosi from Solomon Islands, Dr. Pita Sovanivalu and Dr Mark Rokobuli from Fiji, Dr. Johnny Hedson from Pohnpei, Federated States of Micronesia, Dr. Naseri Aiotato from American Samoa  and Dr. Alois Mouemuem, Dr. Jimmy Yakea and Dr. Petrus Opum from Popondetta, Dr. Thomas Kiele from Kavieng, Dr. Raymond Saulep from Kundiawa, Dr. Felix Diaku and Dr Kevin Lapu from Rabaul, Dr. Stevens James from Lae and Dr. Anthony Nasai from Wabag (all from PNG).

The lectures were delivered by Dr. Nik Friederich, Dr. Jochen Ruckstuhl, Dr. Gerold Lusser (all from Switzerland) Dr. David Bartle from New Zealand, Dr. Stephen Kodovaru from Solomon Islands Dr Sara Coll and Dr. Des Soares from Australia.

In this module, the students were taught a systematic approach to diagnosis and management of trauma. This included clinical history taking and a thorough clinical examination with emphasis on a systematic approach to the management of trauma including the management of the soft tissues and the management of closed and open fractures. In addition, there were focussed lectures and practicals on the management of trauma affecting the long bones of the limbs.

Lectures were supplemented with practical demonstrations. Each morning we commenced with a ward round seeing two or three patients and getting the students to present the history and clinical signs of the patients. Their management was then discussed and suggestions for improvement were made. This was a useful exercise as we were able to improve clinical skills. It was also helpful to try and elucidate clinical reasoning and decision making and help with developing these skills. The students enjoyed having expert advice on the management of bone and joint infection and trauma – both of which are common conditions throughout the Pacific and are often poorly managed. PNG has a large volume of severe trauma due to bush knife (machete) and gunshot wounds. The students were assessed with a written examination on the final day of the Trauma course.

In the Research module students were taught critical appraisal skills, biostatistics and research methods. The goal is for our students to be able to identify areas of research they can successfully perform and publish to improve the outcomes not just for their patients but for patients throughout the developing world. Every student left the module with a written and team reviewed research proposal to implement.

Overall the 3-week module was intense, and it was obvious the students were stimulated to learn. The students are now already reading ahead to prepare for the next module on Paediatric orthopaedics and Orthopaedic Tumours to be held in Apia Samoa, commencing on 29 July 2018.

Our thanks to the staff and patients of the Modilon Hospital, Madang and the Madang Lodge for the use of the Conference room and for allowing us to conduct the course there. Our special thanks to the staff of Madang Lodge who provided nutritious food for the duration of the course and made us feel at home. Finally, this module would not have been possible without the generous financial support from Wyss Medical Foundation, AO Alliance Foundation and South Pacific Projects..

Brief course review – Stevens James from Lae, PNG

It has been a pleasure in the last almost three weeks of statistically drilling/screwing the gospel vibes of PIOA across the corridors of the Pacific.
Although tiring, it’s an opportunity not to be missed for some of us and the most exciting aspects of Orthopedic care.

Moulded cast application – Kabiri Itaka (Kiribati) applying a short arm cast to Stevens James (Lae, LNG) under the supervision of Prof Nik Friederich (Basle, Switzerland)

To our teachers/mentors, you have been sent from heaven, thanks a million times.
To our colleagues in the Pacific, our haematological bondage has grown thicker to strum the orthopedic vibes more closer and enjoyablly.
Happy sharing/gaining skills and knowledge, farewell! Special thanks givings to Prof Nik Friederich and Our none other than the man himself, Des
Cheers! !!!

Stevens James, Lae, Papua New Guinea

Trauma module in Madang, PNG Week 1

The Trauma module commenced at Modilon Hospital, Madang and at the Madang lodge.

David Bartle (NZ) teaching Jimmy Yakea (PNG) with Thomas Kiele (PNG) as patient

We do ward rounds and practice clinical examinations each day at the hospital and then use the Madang Lodge conference room for lectures and practical exercises.

Learning the SIGN nail system. From L to R – Thomas Kiele, Jimmy Yakea, Anthony Nasai, Alois Mouemuem and Stevens James (all from PNG)

 

First PIOA module in PNG

In 2 weeks we will hold the first ever PIOA module in Madang, PNG. The module will be held from 29 January to 15 February 2018 and will cover Trauma and Research.

PNG has the largest population among the Pacific Island countries with approximately 7 million people most of whom live in remote areas with limited clinical services. PIOA hopes to train enough PNG doctors over the next few years to have orthopaedically trained surgeons in at least 18 centres around PNG. We already have trainees in 4 centres.

Name tags with flags of the trainees who will be attending this module.

 

Pohnpei visit

Dr. Des Soares, Dr. Vernon Moo (anaesthetist) and Nurse practitioner Lisa Yang visited Pohnpei in the Federated States of Micronesia from  11 to 19th November 2017. The visit was aimed at supporting PIOA trainee Dr. Johnny Hedson who has worked as one fo two surgeons on Pohnpei for many years.

The team dealt with a number of trauma cases that had malunions and chronic elbow dislocations. They also did 4 hip hemiarthroplasties. Below is one  38 year old lady who had a nonunion f a subcapital fracture for the past year and who had not been able to weight bear.

On the last day Dr Johnny took the team to visit the World Heritage Nan Madol area and deep sea fishing.

 

PIOA congratulates first graduate Dr. Stephen Kodovaru

PIOA is delighted to announce the graduation of our first student, Stephen Kodovaru from Solomon Islands who has successfully completed his training and passed the final exit exams. The independent external examiners were Dr. Richard Lander from New Zealand and Dr. John North from Australia. Stephen will play a central role in further developing the PIOA program.

PIOA students singing to celebrate the graduation of Stephen Kodovaru (click link to view)

PIOA meet with Prime Minister of Samoa

Dr. Des Soares, PIOA Director of Training,  met with  the Honorable Prime Minister Tuila’epa Sa’ilele Malielegaoi of Samoa on 13 June 2017,
 to discuss the PIOA training program. The Prime Minister was very interested in our model of training doctors in orthopaedics,
 using a module approach that minimised the time away from their hospitals and home countries.

PIOA agreement with AO Alliance Foundation

PIOA has signed a partnership agreement with the AO Alliance Foundation, which is the premier orthopaedic education foundation worldwide. This was only possible because of the tireless efforts of Dr. Herman Oberli, founding member of PIOA and a strong advocate for the improvement of the management of trauma in the Pacific Islands. We also wish to thank our generous sponsor, Hans Joerg Wyss, for his partnership in our work. This agreement means that PIOA has stable funding for the next 5 years and can continue to train orthopaedic surgeons from Pacific Island countries. PIOA is now the accepted leader for orthopaedic training in the Pacific Island countries.
From L to R: Suthorn Bavonratanavech, AO Foundation representative; Joachim Prein(Vice-Chair), Rolf Jeker(Chair), Jaime Quintero, Board Member. Standing: Dr. Hermann Oberli

PIOA agreement with TTM Hospital, Apia, Samoa.

PIOA training Director held discussion with the National University of Samoa. The Dean of the Medical School Lemamea Dr. Limbo Fiu and Lecturer Dr. Dyxon Hansell are progressing discussions. It is hoped the National University of Samoa will accredit the PIOA training program as a Master of Surgery (Orthopaedics).
PIOA training Director signed a training agreement with Leituala Dr. Ben Matalavea, covering Dr Shaun Mauiliu and Dr Areta Samuelu and any future trainees from TTM Hospital. This agreement is valid for a period of 5 years.