Abstract 3260: Training for cancer surgery in Sub Saharan Africa

Abstract BACKGROUND: Low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) face both training and infrastructural challenges for surgical care, particularly for cancer. Practitioners charged with caring for these patients have few options for basic or advanced training. OBJECTIVES: To describe the training options for cancer surgery in Sub Saharan Africa METHODS: The different methods of training are described and the advantages and limits of each methods is highlighted. RESULTS: Training during residency and onsite fellowship are a good option but requires an appropriate number and capacity of training programme. International fellowships have the limitation of readjustment back home for the trained fellow. Onsite International training missions like IVUmed’s missions have the advantage of “Teach One, Reach Many” outcome where a whole team in trained in accordance of local needs and the participation of all stakeholders. CONCLUSIONS: Long-term program commitments; effective communication; and a shared vision among the program site, the coordinating nongovernmental organization, and supporting organizations facilitate the development of thriving surgical teaching programs capable of serving local communities and conducting outreach training. Citation Format: Mohamed Jalloh, Serigne Magueye Gueye. Training for cancer surgery in Sub Saharan Africa [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2017; 2017 Apr 1-5; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2017;77(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 3260. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2017-3260