Knowledge and Learning Monthly Newsletter – August 2024

We are excited to announce that Dr. Bushra Ibnauf Center for Learning in Juba, South Sudan has successfully launched the Infectious Disease ECHO program. This initiative aims to virtually connect local healthcare professionals in Sub-Saharan Africa with global subject matter experts in infectious disease. This is the first activity launched from the newly established learning center in Juba and a step towards extending SAMA activities to Sub-Saharan Africa. 

The first phase, which focused on HIV, has concluded with notable success, particularly in engaging learners across Sub-Saharan Africa. A total of 7 sessions have been successfully completed, each featuring didactic presentations with 7 subject matter experts involved. The sessions collectively recorded an attendance of 162, highlighting strong engagement. Learners from 18 different countries participated, underscoring the global reach and impact of the program.

We are now moving into the second phase of the program, which will center on Hepatitis B Virus (HBV). The program will culminate with a series of sessions dedicated to Tuberculosis (TB).

To learn more about the program, kindly visit our website here. If you would like to join the remaining sessions, you can register here through IECHO.

The Sudanese American Medical Association hosted a critical care workshop at the Dr. Bushra Ibnauf Center for Learning in Port Sudan as part of Dr. Isam Osman’s humanitarian programs. The workshop was conducted by Dr. Yasir Hamad, a critical care physician in the United States who traveled to Port Sudan as part of the mission. It also included a panel of global experts joining virtually over Zoom 

The workshop took place on August 6th and 7th, 2024, and included 15 critical care residents from public hospitals in Port Sudan. It covered essential critical care topics in addition to hands-on training in ultrasound-guided IV access and Point-of-Care Ultrasound (POCUS) techniques. Click here to learn more about the workshop

Another component of Dr. Isam Osman’s humanitarian program was providing hands-on clinical training at two major public hospitals in Port Sudan: Port Sudan Teaching Hospital and Osman Digna Referral Hospital. Held over two days, August 3rd and 4th, Dr. Yasir Hamad trained 37 critical care residents on various applications of ultrasound.

We launched a simulation-based education course at the Dr. Bushra Ibnauf Center for Learning in Port Sudan on August 21st, in collaboration with the Simulation-Based Education Group (SBE Group). This innovative program uses online, self-directed cases to allow healthcare learners at various levels to engage with over 190 medical scenarios. Accessible through smartphones or computers, this method addresses a range of emergencies across multiple specialties. It offers an interactive platform that replicates key aspects of real-world medical situations, guided by experts.

SAMA’s initiative is designed to enhance the quality of healthcare education in Port Sudan, equipping doctors with the skills and confidence to handle real-life challenges effectively.

As we enter the third week of the program, we are pleased to report that 20 postgraduate doctors have been successfully included in the first cohort. Impressively, these learners have collectively made 324 attempts to complete the assigned cases in the majority of specialties available on the platform. Their commitment to adhering to assignments and meeting deadlines has been exemplary, reflecting a high level of engagement and dedication to the program.
Click here to learn more about the course

The SAMA Scholars Club is a membership-based program at the Dr. Bushra Ibnauf Center for Learning in Port Sudan that offers learners access to a supportive and well-equipped environment designed to help them succeed in their studies. Learners who prove their commitment to learning will have their membership fees refunded.

• SAMA community of learners 
• Optimized learning environment 
  • Reliable Power Supply 
  • High-Speed Internet
  • Air-conditioned study spaces
  • Access to the center’s desktop
• Self-paced courses
  • Arizona State University- English language courses
  • Simulation-based clinical training
• Future opportunities
  • Gain access to a pool of candidates for future SAMA internship positions

Content created by Dr. Omer Abdalla Marzoug Gomaa, designed, and reviewed by the SAMA Management team. Email [email protected] to share your feedback.