New Ultrasound Machine Improves Medical Care and Education in Kenya
Eight months ago the Maternal-Fetal Medicine (MFM) Fellowship Program began at Kenya's Moi University, in partnership with the UofT ObGyn Department. More recently, the MFM Program received a new, state-of-the-art GE ultrasound machine at the Riley Mother and Baby Hospital (RMBH). The purchase of this equipment was made possible through a generous gift from the Warren and Debbie Kimel Family Foundation.
"This will be a game-changer in the quality of obstetrical ultrasound here at Moi," said Dr. Nan Okun, UofT Professor and Head of the MFM Division.
During the last eight months, the MFM fellows, Drs Pallavi and Brett, have made a significant impact on the quality of high-risk maternal-fetal care at the Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Eldoret, Kenya. "With a daily MFM presence on the wards, we are seeing an improved level of consultation on all high-risk women, more sophisticated planning of comprehensive care and an elevated level of academic teaching of residents, students, nurses and other team members," said Dr. Okun. The fellows have also been linked to the maternal-fetal rounds at Toronto's Mount Sinai Hospital with weekly case-based discussions and monthly videoconferencing rounds.
“Our brand new ultrasound is being installed now at RMBH and the quality of obstetrical ultrasounds is only going to improve,” said Dr. Julie Thorne, UofT Lecturer and AMPATH Reproductive Health Team Leader.
Dr. Thorne will be relieved by Dr. Marie Buitendyk, the first UofT fellow doing a combined MFM/Global Women's Health training program. Dr. Buitendyk recently arrived in Kenya with her family to become the new team lead and will train along with the other Moi fellows.
Learn more about the Riley Mother and Baby Hospital's 10th anniversary here.
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