SAMA Institute of Health Newsletter October

We are thrilled to announce the launch of the SAMA Institute of Health (SAMA-IH) on October 26, 2024. As the primary body for knowledge dissemination, learning, and research initiatives within the Sudanese American Medical Association (SAMA), SAMA-IH aims to enhance innovation, professional development, and high-quality education for healthcare professionals and learners across Sudan and Sub-Saharan Africa.

SAMA-IH will focus on several key areas:

• Learning Activities: We will organize and deliver tailored learning opportunities to meet the specific needs of healthcare providers in the region.
• Research: Our institute will conduct relevant research that results in published papers and presentations at medical conferences, contributing to the global medical knowledge base.
• Health Service: We will collaborate with local healthcare delivery institutes, organizations, and NGOs to improve health service delivery and healthcare processes.

We are proud to have Professor Ihab B. Abdalrahman (Tarawa) as the Dean of the institute. Professor Abdalrahman is a respected figure in the medical field, serving as a Professor of Medicine at the University of Khartoum, former Director of Soba University Hospital, and Dean of Medicine at the South University of Medicine, Science, and Technology in Juba, South Sudan. He is also a co-founder of SAMA alongside Dr. Bushra Ibnauf Sulieman.

SAMA-IH will operate from two key centers:

• Dr. Bushra Ibnauf Center for Learning and Humanitarian Relief Support, Port Sudan, Sudan
• Dr. Bushra Ibnauf Center for Learning, Juba, South Sudan

We are excited to offer innovative programs and products, including VRiMS (Virtual Reality in Medicine and Surgery), ASU (Arizona State University) English courses, simulation-based education, and the Project ECHO program.

We are thrilled to announce the successful completion of our Infectious Disease ECHO Program, which ran from July 20 to September 21, 2024. This regional program brought together 156 healthcare professionals (including medical students, residents, and other community health workers)  from 25 countries across Sub-Saharan Africa. This diversity enriched discussions and allowed for the sharing of varied perspectives and experiences.

The program included ten virtual sessions focused on HIV, hepatitis, and Monkeypox and led by renowned global subject matter experts. Participants gained insights, fostering a deeper understanding of these critical health issues. Feedback from participants was overwhelmingly positive.

We appreciate our partners, the South Sudan Ministry of Health and Project ECHO, who were instrumental in shaping a program that directly addressed local healthcare challenges. As we reflect on the success of this program, we are committed to scaling our impact across Sub-Saharan Africa. Plans for future initiatives will focus on strategic partnerships and sustainable practices to ensure long-term benefits for communities. We aim to establish a robust follow-up strategy to evaluate the effectiveness of our programs and their impact on patient outcomes.

The learners attended in person at Dr. Bushra Ibnauf Centers for Learning in Juba and Port Sudan, as well as online. They enjoyed an ideal learning environment at the centers equipped with reliable internet and both software and hardware resources, allowing them to join the learning movements amidst challenging learning conditions.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our dedicated team, the subject matter experts, and all participants for making this program a resounding success. We look forward to more opportunities to collaborate and innovate in the fight against infectious diseases. Stay tuned for updates on our future initiatives and continued efforts to improve healthcare across the region!

To read the program’s full report. click here

Since its commencement, the SAMA Scholars Club included passionate learners at the Dr. Bushra Ibnauf Center for Learning and Humanitarian Relief Support in Port Sudan. Our first cohort, comprising 11 individuals from various academic backgrounds and levels, is taking full advantage of our rich learning resources in an ideal environment designed for growth and collaboration.

Our mission is to empower scholars in their personal development and professional advancement, equipping them with the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in their careers. Reflecting on the achievements of the scholars, all participants successfully joined the Arizona State University English language course, enhancing their academic English foundations. The course consists of four parts, and currently, three members have completed half of the course, while two have finished the first part. The remaining participants are still working through the initial section, making significant progress in their language skills.

Additionally, graduate medical doctors and finalist medical students engaged in simulation-based education program, demonstrating significant progress through their daily activities.

In SAMA Scholars Club, we are not just supporting education; you are also fostering a new generation of learners who are committed to making a significant impact in their communities. Join us in this transformative journey and help us cultivate the talents of tomorrow. Your support can change lives and elevate healthcare standards in the region!

We are excited to share the continued success of our simulation-based education course at the Dr. Bushra Ibnauf Center for Learning in Port Sudan! Launched on August 21st in collaboration with the Simulation-Based Education Group (SBE Group), this innovative program enabled healthcare learners to engage with over 200 medical scenarios through online, self-directed cases accessible via smartphones or computers.

As of October 15, we proudly completed the program in 7 weeks. Our initial cohort of 20 postgraduate doctors participated in two group case sessions conducted under expert supervision. Together, they attempted a remarkable 2,105 cases, averaging 84 cases per learner. The participants dedicated a total of 307 hours to the course, with each learner spending about 12 hours on their assignments.

Feedback from participants remains positive, highlighting the value of this interactive approach to medical education. As we move forward, we remain dedicated to supporting these healthcare professionals in their journey to improve patient care in the region. Thank you for your continued support as we advance this transformative educational initiative!

We are excited to announce the launch of the Emergency ECHO: Enhancing Emergency, Critical, and Operative Care Program, on November 2, 2024. This program will run for 12 weeks until January 18, 2025. It aims to enhance emergency, critical, and operative care training for medical professionals in Sudan, South Sudan, and Sub-Saharan Africa, addressing significant healthcare challenges such as resource scarcity and a lack of trained personnel.

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