By Ogega Ondari.

Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching & Referral Hospital (JOOTRH) has partnered with McGaw Medical Centre of Northwestern University to provide advanced training for its resident anesthesiologists. The year-long anesthesiology program will cover the full spectrum of anesthesia, including not only surgical procedures but also crucial soft skills like patient well-being.

JOOTRH CEO Dr. Richard Lesiyampe welcomed Dr. Paul Johnson of McGaw Medical Centre and lauded the program as transformative, emphasizing its focus on patient-centered care. “Actively listening to patients and their families to understand their preferences and expectations is key to achieving excellent clinical outcomes, a core value at JOOTRH,” Dr. Lesiyampe stated. He noted that the competency-based residency system aligns perfectly with the hospital’s motto of excellent clinical outcomes and will significantly benefit the community.

Dr. Johnson affirmed the program letter of agreement, recognizing JOOTRH’s dedication to improving patient care through such collaborations. He highlighted the partnership’s potential to bring new expertise, global best practices, and a structured training framework to the hospital.

Dr. Edwin Oduor, JOOTRH’s Head of Surgery and Anesthesia and the program’s Site Director, described the residency as intensive and enriching. He explained that fellows will work alongside local doctors, focusing on competency goals and objectives that include advanced airway management techniques, perioperative care improvements, and the use of point-of-care ultrasound. The training will also cover situational awareness and crisis management, patient safety, and quality improvement. “We will also gain valuable insights into the effects of practice variations and resource variability on our own well-being,” Dr. Oduor added.

The program promises not only new skills but also a roadmap for continuous improvement, marking the beginning of long-term medical advancement and ensuring world-class patient care for years to come. As part of the program, McGaw Medical Centre donated a portable scanning machine to JOOTRH.