PAACS Urology
Why a PAACS Urology Task Force?
- To understand the rationale behind the PAACS Urology Task Force, we
must understand the rationale behind PAACS itself. The Pan African
Academy of Christian Surgeons (PAACS) was created to train African
Surgeons to offer physical healing and spiritual hope in Jesus’
name to Africa’s sick and suffering. The goal is to train 100
excellent African surgeons in Africa by the year 2020 to serve in their
own countries in Jesus’ name.
- PAACS Urology group exists to assist PAACS in their goal. But
why a separate task force for urologists?
The Need
Because of the lack of specialists in Africa, general surgeons there
have a much broader practice than in the west. Missionary surgeons
estimate that up to 40% of their case load are urologic
problems. Well-trained surgeons in Africa must be trained in
urology as well as many other specialties not typically included in the
general surgery training in western residencies.
Up to now, many intrepid urologists have felt called to contribute their
time and expertise to help train these eager African residents. But
most can only stay at a mission hospital for relatively short periods of
time, limiting the impact of their efforts. They must use the
equipment that is available. It is often old and poorly maintained with
limited disposable elements which hampers effective
training. Industry is reluctant to contribute in meaningful ways to
these individual efforts because of the lack of long lasting impact and
lack of proper long term care for the instruments they would supply.
The Solution
PAACS Urology - A group of urologists who feel called
to help train and disciple these African surgeons to become strategic
Christian surgeons in their own countries and thereby have a far greater
impact than any western missionary surgeon can have. Through proper
organization and cooperative efforts, many of the hurdles to this goal
mentioned above can be overcome. The task force will:
- Organize several 2-3 month urology rotations per year on site to
effectively train the PAACS residents in their context and help disciple
them in their Christian walk. Multiple urologists would come for
shorter, consecutive, back to back trips to cover the rotation. Several
well-equipped sites would be the foundation for these rotations so that
equipment could be supplied and maintained properly thus facilitating
the training. Urologists that may not be able to go personally can serve
as senders. Prayer support for the rotations will be essential as
well as financial contributions for equipment needs, and travel and
housing expenses for the PAACS residents.
- Pursue industry support for the organization as it grows and becomes
an effective force.
Whats Next?
A pilot project is being planned to determine if
this idea is feasible:
An initial 2-3 month urology rotation at Tenwek hospital, Bomet,
Kenya in the fall of 2009, September to November. The rotation will be
staffed by multiple urologists scheduled in consecutive, back to back
time slots to cover the entire time of the rotation. Their job is
to lend their expertise to train theses residents in what an African
surgeon needs to know about urology. They will serve as Christian
examples to these men and participate in their discipleship.
In support of the pilot project we will develop the following
resources:
-
A list of core competencies that we will teach these residents,
including numbers and types of cases to be completed, required
educational resources and didactic lectures to be given during the
rotation.
-
A relationship with World Medical Missions to provide travel and
logistics help for the urologists participating.
- A fund for equipment, as well as travel and housing expenses for the
residents.
- A directory of Christian urologists interested in assisting
PAACS.
- A web site and blog for recruitment and coordination of our
efforts.
- A debriefing and annual meeting after the rotation.
Donations
Donations should be sent to PAACS, P.O. Box 436886, Louisville, KY
40253. Make checks payable to PAACS #46080.
How Can I Find Out More?
Please contact:
Gerald Swim, Administrative Officer
P.O. Box 436886
Louisville, KY 40253
Email: Gerald.Swim@paacs.net
Web site: www.paacs.net
