AOA ASM, 9 October 2017, Adelaide

PIOA trainee Felxi Diaku (PNG) presented a scientific paper at the Australian Orthopaedic Association Annual Scientific Meeting in Adelaide on 9-13 October 2017. Dr. Paul Hitchen, President PIOA presented  on Chop injuries in PNG and Dr Des Soares, Director of Training for PIOA  presented on the progress in the PIOA training program.
A special presentation was made to Dr. Stephen Kodovaru on his graduation from the program. Photos of some of the AOA fellows who have helped PIOA during training modules.
From L to R: Kate Stannage, Nicole Williams, Peter Cundy, Des Soares, Stephen Kodovaru, Paul Hitchen, Bruce Caldwell, John North, John Tuffley

Module 3, September 2017, Hip

Front row: L to R. Andy Vane (NZ), Vaughan Poutawera(NZ), Johnny Hedson (FSM), Sud Rao (NZ)

Back row: L to R. Naseri Aiotato, Areta Samuelu, Mark Rokobuli, Alois Mouemuem, James Tewa’ani, Felix Diaku, Thomas Kiele, Kabiri Itaka, Pita Sovanivalu, Raymond Saulep.

The “Hip” module was held at the National Referral Hospital, Honiara, Solomon Islands, from 18 to 29 September 2016. This module covered history taking, clinical examination, and management of  orthopaedic conditions affecting the hip including traum .. You can read  the  Module 3 2017 report here.

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.

Module 1, February 2017 , Introduction to orthopaedics

The Introductory module was held at the Lautoka Hospital, Fiji from 30 January to 8 February 2017.
We welcomed 7 new trainees (Raymond Saulep, Thomas Kiele, Alois Mouemuem, Henao Asa from PNG, Alfredo Adams from Samoa, Pita Sovanivalu from Fiji and Johnny Hedson from FSM). PIOA now has 18 trainees in 8 countries. You can read the Module 1 2017 report here.
From L to R: Front row: Stephen Kodovaru (Solomon Islands), Des Soares (Australia), Roy Craig (New Zealand), David Bartle (New Zealand), Tim Gregg (New Zealand), Mark Rokobuli (Fiji)
Back row: Raymond Saulep (PNG), Pita Sovanivalu (Fiji), Thomas Kiele (PNG), Naseri Aitaoto (Am. Samoa), Alfredo Adams (Samoa), Henao Asa (PNG), Alois Mouemuem (PNG), Johnny Hedson (Federated states of Micronesia).

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

Module 3, September 2016, Foot and ankle, Apia, Samoa

The “Foot and ankle” module was held at the TTM Hospital, Apia, Samoa, from 12 to 19 September 2016. This module covered history taking, clinical examination, and management of  foot and ankle conditions. You can read  the   Module 3 2016 report here.
 
From L to R Front row – Mark Rokobuli (Fiji),Felix Diaku (PNG), Areta Samuelu(Samoa),Stephen Kodvaru(Solomon Is), Kabiri Itaka (Kiribati),
Back row – George Kabwere(Solomon Is),  Shaun Mauiliu(Samoa), Naseri Aitaoto(American Samoa),  Alex Munamua(Solomon Is.)James Tewa’ani(Solomon Is.).
The course dinner: Special thanks to lecturers: Dr. Angus Moxon, Drr Nick Shortt, DR. Matt Hope, Dr. Hermann Oberli and Dr. Des Soares. At the dinner we were joined by Adele Mauiliu, Enid Samuelu, Elizabeth Oberli and Dr Magele (previous Minister of Education in Samoa- not in the photo

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.

Module 2, June 2016, Spine

The “Orthopaedic Spine” module was held at the National Referral Hospital, Honiara, Solomon Islands, from 30 May 2016 to 8 June 2016. This module covered history taking, clinical examination, and management of  orthopaedic spinal conditions. In addition training on a Pacific Trauma database and a workshop on Infectious disease was held. You can read  the Module 2 2016 report  here.
From L to R Front row – Ian Cheung (Australia), Des Soares(Australia), Martin Walliser(Switzerand), Phillip Stillhard(Switzerland)
Middle row – Mark Rokobuli (Fiji), Kabiri Itaka (Kiribati), Felix Diaku (PNG), Areta Samuelu(Samoa), George Kabwere(Solomon Is)
Back row – Naseri Aitaoto(American Samoa), Stephen Kodvaru(Solomon Is, James Tewa’ani(Solomon islands)
Alex Munamua(Solomon islands), Shaun Mauiliu(Samoa)