2022 In-Country Training Programs
The Programs
Some trainers and trainees from the 2018 Fiji program
The improving control of the COVID situation in Fiji from early in the year as evidenced by the opening up of the tourism market, led to a request from CWM Hospital and FNU for a program this year. For funding availability reasons it was necessary to plan the program for late May rather than the usual July/August timeframe. This means it has been a very tight timeframe for organising a team ready to travel and deliver.
Thanks to the trainers who responded to our call for volunteers at such short notice. A team of 5 doctors and 5 nurses will provide the training which includes an academic component as part of post graduate courses delivered by the FNU College of Medicine, Nursing & Health Sciences. The training faculty from Australia (7) and New Zealand (3) is:
Nurses Doctors
Dianne Jones Robyn Nagel
Karenza Heath Dinesh Lal
Natasha Rutland Lybbie Hillman
Karen Kempin Terry Gavaghan
Helen Van Loenen Kumanan Nalankilli
There will also be two observers - Drs Bruce Waxman and Leshni Pillay. Dr Waxman, a surgeon, will attend towards the end of program with a focus on how surgeons can best benefit from program involvement. Based on his assessment there will be further discussions with RACS. Dr Pillay is a trainee gastroenterologist with a strong interest in Fiji and will attend for much of the last two weeks. She is interested in investigating how she and others at a similar stage of their careers can assist in the development of Pacific gastroenterology services as their own careers continue to develop. Both observers will be covering their own costs.
Our thanks to RACS Global Health in responding quickly to our request and managing the process whereby we were allocated PIP funds to cover the expenses of our trainers. The PIP activities are funded by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) of the Australian Government.
In setting up this program, our thanks to Dr Shrish Acharya, Head of Medicine at CWM Hospital and the team at the at Fiji National University - Assoc Prof Jioji Malani, Assistant Prof Mai Ling Perman, Dr Vikash Sharma and Dr Aminiasi Rokocakau.
Thanks to the trainers who responded to our call for volunteers at such short notice. A team of 5 doctors and 5 nurses will provide the training which includes an academic component as part of post graduate courses delivered by the FNU College of Medicine, Nursing & Health Sciences. The training faculty from Australia (7) and New Zealand (3) is:
Nurses Doctors
Dianne Jones Robyn Nagel
Karenza Heath Dinesh Lal
Natasha Rutland Lybbie Hillman
Karen Kempin Terry Gavaghan
Helen Van Loenen Kumanan Nalankilli
There will also be two observers - Drs Bruce Waxman and Leshni Pillay. Dr Waxman, a surgeon, will attend towards the end of program with a focus on how surgeons can best benefit from program involvement. Based on his assessment there will be further discussions with RACS. Dr Pillay is a trainee gastroenterologist with a strong interest in Fiji and will attend for much of the last two weeks. She is interested in investigating how she and others at a similar stage of their careers can assist in the development of Pacific gastroenterology services as their own careers continue to develop. Both observers will be covering their own costs.
Our thanks to RACS Global Health in responding quickly to our request and managing the process whereby we were allocated PIP funds to cover the expenses of our trainers. The PIP activities are funded by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) of the Australian Government.
In setting up this program, our thanks to Dr Shrish Acharya, Head of Medicine at CWM Hospital and the team at the at Fiji National University - Assoc Prof Jioji Malani, Assistant Prof Mai Ling Perman, Dr Vikash Sharma and Dr Aminiasi Rokocakau.
What Trainer Costs are Covered?
For all trainers ANZGITA will reimburse the following expenses:
All trainers are required to sign a Code of Conduct prior to departure and complete other forms that are required for registration and by the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
- Accommodation including breakfast and dinner at the ANZGITA specified facility, or the equivalent cost if trainers select an alternative site.
- Temporary Registration costs
- Visa costs when this is applicable.
All trainers are required to sign a Code of Conduct prior to departure and complete other forms that are required for registration and by the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
Am I Qualified?
All gastroenterologists and gastroenterology nurses practising in Australia or New Zealand are capable of being a trainer with ANZGITA – you will need no special qualifications apart from being adaptable and interested in helping our less fortunate colleagues in a less privileged settings.
To provide your professional details and CV to ANZGITA, please click here.
To provide your professional details and CV to ANZGITA, please click here.
One Last Thing
Some 100 medical and nursing trainers have contributed to the ANZGITA program over the past 12 years – many on multiple occasions. Almost universally they have found it an extremely rewarding experience – if at times quite challenging. We are always keen to include new trainers and ensure that trainers are from all regions of Australia and New Zealand, from both teaching and regional hospitals, from public and private sectors, of all ages and both genders.