From Our Faculty
This is an enthusiastic letter of support for Dr. Mark Barry, the founder of COEDN.
My first exposure to this program was when I was recruited by Dr. Barry to participate as a mentor to several pediatric orthopedic surgeons-in training in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. I spent a month there in 2016 and am pleased to report the success of that endeavor. Those fellows subsequently passed the requisite examinations and are now recognized as fully qualified pediatric orthopedic surgeons. Importantly, they have since established their own training program.
Fast forward to 2020. I spent the month of February mentoring 4 prospective fellows at the CoRSU Hospital in Entebbe, Uganda. The COVID pandemic interceded and the program was put on pause for nearly 2 years. Presently, I am back in Uganda, helping to conclude the program. Three of them (one transferred out) are poised to take the requisite written examination in September and the oral examination in December. They are well trained and highly motivated, thanks to Dr. Barry, and I believe that success is again imminent.
I have the highest regard for Dr. Barry. His personal dedication to the unique cause of training pediatric subspecialists in sub-Saharan Africa has required focus and logistical foresight. His organizational skills are unsurpassed; it is a daunting task to recruit orthopedic veterans such as myself and coordinate their participation in a focused project.
Peter Stevens M.D.
Salt Lake City, Utah
The COEDN model for training Paediatric Orthopaedic Surgeons in their own countries working with local patients and families, resources and disease or deformity mix is an effective mechanism to provide rigor, skills and knowledge compared to the traditional model of sending trainees to more developed countries to train. My experience as a trainer in Uganda has convinced me that this is not only a successful model but the best way to advance the quality of specialty care in most counties with resource limitations.
Through Mark Barry’s leadership this model has already been proven effective in Uganda and Tanzania. This also prevents the inevitable loss of talent that studies have shown to occur when talented surgeons leave to train in high income countries. It is not only the acquisition of technical skills but also gaining the academic knowledge to be able to critically self evaluate the quality of care that these trainees receive that makes this model so successful.
John H. Wedge, O.C., MD, FRCSC
Toronto, Canada
Improving health care in developing countries is an effort I wanted to join as I approached retirement. The COEDN model of being a teacher to locally trained surgeons is a model that I feel will make long lasting impact.
My experience working at CoRSU as a trainer showed me how useful and powerful this model is. The locally trained surgeons very quickly understood and were able to integrate new techniques for improving care into their practice.
This COEDN model of teaching in the environment where the surgeons will continue to practice is the ideal model because they learn to apply the resources available to the local patient’s needs.
Freeman Miller M.D.
Wilmington, DE
The COEDN fellowship model is distinct in that it provides local hands-on training for fellows on the pediatric orthopedic pathologies they will encounter in their daily practice. Fellows are considered the teachers of tomorrow and receive preparation accordingly. They take advantage of a unique opportunity to learn from a diverse group of international experts and leaders in the field of pediatric orthopedics who will provide specialized teaching throughout the fellowship period.
The COEDN fellowship model not only equips them with tools to advance medical knowledge but also trains them as leaders in pediatric orthopedics in their country, creating a virtuous cycle of knowledge transfer to future fellows.
Federico Canavese M.D.
Lille, France
I have participated as faculty on two projects run by COEDN, in Tanzania in 2017 and in Uganda in 2023. The aim of these project is to establish centers of excellence in Children’s Orthopedics training by maintaining a year-long succession of highly experienced Pediatric Orthopedic surgeons from The US and Europe in a central hospital in a developing country and training 3 designated fellows to the level where they can both deliver specialized care as well as continue training local Pediatric Orthopedic surgeons with continued online support by the participating faculty.
The projects have proven to be highly successful, with the first generation of surgeons trained by our faculty having graduated and training others. Having taken part in multiple training programs worldwide, I can testify that due to their meticulous planning and execution, the COEDN projects are a unique model of long-term sustainable education in developing countries.
Prof. Elhanan Bar-On MD, MPH
Pediatric Orthopedic Surgeon
Director – Humanitarian and Disaster Response Center
Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer
Israel
From Our Trainees
When I graduated as an orthopaedic surgeon in 2012, I realized my passion was to treat children with orthopaedic conditions. The challenges I had was how to get there. In the beginning, I did short course / attachment in Turkey to cultivate my carrier toward paediatric orthopaedic but that was not enough to make me pediatric orthopedic was dreaming off.
Luckily in 2015 I met Mark Barry (COEDN) who inspired me a lot about my future career. He took most of his time to explain to me what the program is like and agreed with him. I thought it will be the best model of training super specialist and “Yes” it turned to be the best model.
Three of us were trained on our patients and same pathologies that we are going to treat almost in our lifetime. Throughout the time of more than one, year we had the best and recognized pediatric orthopedic surgeon from developed countries (USA and Israel).
We were very lucky I can say to have such a very good model of training. Most of the time we were doing the surgeries and our mentors will guide us. I am so proud of my mentors for such a wonderful time during my training to be pediatric orthopedic surgeon. Other health workers too had time to learn from the mentors as well such as our nurses, physiotherapist and orthotics and prosthetic technicians. We thank Mark Barry (COEDN) for choosing Tanzania to be the first country to practice this model of training.
Three of us are training other fellows to meet the number of required pediatric orthopedic in Tanzania. Last year two pediatric fellow whom we were training passed their exams and now are part of our team.
COEDN did not leave us behind to today it is still supporting us physically by bringing best experienced pediatric orthopedic surgeon to coach us and also through zoom meetings.
Dear Mark I would like to express my sincere appreciations for what you are continuing doing to us and my country at large. “The children of Tanzania with orthopedic conditions are getting the best treatment”.
Asante!!
Bryson Mcharo M.D., FCS(ecsa)
Tanzania, 2016-18
I am thrilled to share my testimonial on the profound impact, numerous benefits, and the unique approach of the COEDN Pediatric Orthopedic “Training the Trainers” model that has been implemented at CoRSU Hospital beginning in 2019. With 44% of Uganda’s population being below the age of 14, Uganda has one of the youngest populations in the world and this inevitably means we have a significant need of pediatric orthopedic surgeons to manage this huge population. The initiative by COEDN is transforming the landscape of pediatric orthopedic care in Uganda, offering invaluable opportunities for orthopedic surgeons to properly manage pediatric orthopedic cases and, ultimately, improve the lives of countless children, who previously were being neglected or mismanaged.
First and foremost, the program’s impact has been nothing short of remarkable. By bringing in experienced trainers from developed nations that have well-established pediatric orthopedic programs, we’ve witnessed exponential growth in the skill levels of our local orthopedic surgeons. These trainers have not only shared their wealth of knowledge but have also fostered a culture of excellence and innovation within our own setting. Our surgeons now possess the expertise to treat complex pediatric orthopedic conditions, ensuring that children in our region receive world-class care without the need for expensive medical tourism.
The benefits of this program extend far beyond enhanced surgical skills. It has significantly reduced the brain drain that often plagues our healthcare system. By training our orthopedic surgeons in their own environment, we have created a sustainable model where local experts are empowered to teach and mentor others. This not only strengthens our healthcare infrastructure but also ensures that the knowledge and expertise remain within our country, ultimately benefiting more children and families over time.
What truly sets this program apart is its uniqueness. The approach of bringing trainers to our own setting has not only been cost-effective to us but has also been tailored to our specific needs and challenges. These trainers get to understand the local context, patient demographics, and resource limitations, allowing for the development of practical and adaptable solutions. This approach bridges the gap between developed and developing nations, making it a model that can be replicated in similar settings worldwide.
Furthermore, the program’s commitment to sustainability is admirable. It not only trains orthopedic surgeons but also cultivates a sense of responsibility and mentorship. As local fellows grow in their roles, they become trainers themselves, passing on their knowledge and skills to the next generation. This ripple effect ensures that the program’s benefits continue to expand, making it a beacon of hope for the future of pediatric orthopedic care in our region.
In conclusion, the COEDN Pediatric Orthopedic Training Program has brought about a transformative change in our healthcare landscape. Its impact on surgical skills, reduction of brain drain, uniqueness in approach, and commitment to sustainability are commendable. I wholeheartedly support and commend this program for its invaluable contribution to the well-being of our children and the future of pediatric orthopedic care in our country. It serves as a shining example of how collaboration between developed and developing nations can create lasting positive change in the field of medicine.
Moses Muhumuza M.D.
Uganda, 2020-23