Fellowship in Neonatology
Background
The Aga Khan University (AKU) is a private, not for profit, international University first established in 1983, with 11 teaching sites in eight countries. The Aga Khan University, Nairobi will offer training in Neonatology in the Department of Paediatrics and Child Health. This fellowship is aimed at contributing to the attainment of the highest possible neonatal health-related outcomes through high quality care, teaching, research and advocacy. The program exists to promote and advance knowledge, skills and practice of healthcare practitioners in Neonatology.
Successful applicants will undergo a two-year competency-based training program at the Aga Khan University which includes extensive supervised clinical experience. The fellow will also complete a research project which should be submitted for publication prior to completion of the program. Fellows will have a dual reporting to Fellowship Program Director and Chair department of Paediatrics and Child Health.
Program Objectives include:
To provide standards and guidelines for certification in neonatology training and practice.
To promote and advance knowledge, skills and practice in neonatology.
To generate context-focused knowledge through relevant research in neonatology.
To develop relevant guidelines for prevention, diagnosis and management in neonatal conditions.
To strengthen collaborations with relevant stakeholders and advance the knowledge and practice of neonatology to the benefit of the community.
To promote care for neonates through advocacy for improved awareness, prevention, and access to high-quality care in the region.
Minimum admission requirements:
Candidates will be considered eligible for trainee fellowship in the Neonatology Fellowship Program if they meet all the following requirements:
- A qualified paediatrician with a Master of Medicine in Paediatrics and Child Health (MMED) from a recognized university or an equivalent qualification from an institution recognized by the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council or other recognized accreditation body.
- Registered/eligible for registration to practice in Kenya by the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council.
- Following interviews, successful candidates who are employed by county governments would need to secure approval and release from a county government or institution training committee. This release should include commitment from the employer to continue your salary during the training period.
- Evidence of bonding from the current employer will be required from successful candidates, prior to admission to commence training.
- Successful candidates who are not employed would need to provide commitment to cover tuition, other relevant training costs, professional indemnity cover and living expenses.
Recruitment into the program will be conducted through a transparent competitive selection process that would include consideration of a written application, shortlisting and interview process.
Personal attributes:
Demonstrate high-level clinical skills and display an understanding of contextual engagement in the care of neonates.
Good communication skills.
Effective team player and manager.
An organized, focused, self-driven learner with an appropriate training mindset.
Key Responsibilities:
- Assess and manage patients in the ambulatory setting.
- Conduct daily ward rounds, participate actively in all matters relating to patient care and contribute to decision-making during daily rounds, with assistance from the attending staff.
- Review and examine patients consistently by performing such duties such as taking case histories, conducting physical examinations, and ordering diagnostic laboratory and radiology studies in discussion with consultants.
- Monitor patients’ progress on a regular basis.
- Participate in clinics and external rotations as assigned / determined by the curriculum rotation.
- Initiate discussions with patient and care givers to enable better diagnostic and therapeutic medical care and services.
- Provide telephone guidance to physicians seeking advice from the AKUHN affiliated staff for acute neonatology problems during evenings and weekends/holidays, with backup provided from the attending staff.
- Assist in the performance of specific technical procedures as per privileges under the supervision of the attending physician.
- Approve/clarify orders (investigations, consultations and treatments) written by junior house staff in cases of uncertainty.
- Attend to critical patients in a timely manner. When necessary, carry out privileged potentially life-saving emergency,surgical and medical procedures as per privileges and competency.
- Educate patients on wellness, prevention and early detection of neonatology conditions.
- Provide appropriate materials, resources and referrals to patients, family members/care givers.
- Educate patients on informed consent, choice of attending physician and right to seek second opinion.
- Present cases at ward and clinic-pathology/ multidisciplinary rounds, Morbidity and Mortality Rounds.
- Provide regular junior resident teaching, under the supervision of the attending staff
- Supervision and education of junior house staff.
- Take charge of morning rounds, and be the first voice in generating patient management plans.
- Liaise with the consultants and various department. Initiate timely discussions with relevant consultants/departments to arrive at the best treatment plan for specialized cases.
- Attend morning hand-over and sign-out rounds to assist in transferring care to/from the on-call teams.
- Ensure that daily progress notes are made for all patients.
- Assist in screening potential transfers/admissions to/from critical care units, with assistance from the attending staff.
Fellowship Completion requirements
In order to successfully complete the fellowship requirements, the fellow will be expected to:
- Fulfill the log book requirements
- Carry out and submit a research project for publication as guided by the supervisors
- Pass both summative and formative assessments
- Upon completion of the two-year training period, the fellow will under-go post-training mentorship for one year and is expected to carry out a quality improvement project in their facility/hospital.
How to Apply
Applications should include a cover letter, detailed current curriculum vitae, statement of motivation, academic certificates and transcripts.
The application should be sent by email to:
The Chairperson,
Department of Paediatrics,
Aga Khan University
