TRAINING

Medical Students

As one of the two Trauma Units of the University of the Witwatersrand, it provides training to 5th year medical students as part of their Emergency Medicine/Trauma block. Students from other South African Medical Schools are welcome to do their elective in the Unit.

International Elective Medical Students

International students are welcome at the Unit and up to ten are permitted to attend at any time. This is organised through the Medical School elective co-ordinator, Mrs Dawn Francis - Refilwe.Kgauwe@wits.ac.za. The candidates should apply as early as possible as there is a high demand on elective allocations, and should specifically state that they wish to join the Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital Trauma Unit.

Surgical Registrars

Surgical registrars spend a total of eight months in the Trauma Unit during their five year surgical training (four months in the junior registrar and four months in the senior registrar rotation).

Emergency Medicine registrars spend three months in the Surgical Pit during the 3rd year of their training.

TYPES OF ATTACHMENTS AVAILABLE TO INTERNATIONAL GRADUATES AT THE TRAUMA DIRECTORATE OF THE CHRIS HANI BARAGWANATH ACADEMIC HOSPITAL

The following are the types of attachments which the Trauma Directorate offers:

1) ATTACHMENTS FOR SURGEONS AND SURGICAL REGISTRARS
2) ATTACHMENT FOR EMERGENCY MEDICINE CONSULTANTS AND REGISTRARS
3) NURSES AND PARAMEDICS ( in the near future)

1) ATTACHMENTS FOR SURGEONS AND SURGICAL REGISTRARS

A) Observer:

Definition:

As the word implies, one would be involved in all unit activities, but without being able to manage patients. However, observers come and assist in the operating theatres and passively participate in resuscitations and assessment of patients and in seeing ward patients as directed and with a registered practitioner .Observers are placed on the same duty roster and calls as registered doctors, and are expected to keep the same hours. Involvement in the activities of the Burn Unit and the Department of Neurosurgery is possible during this time.

Requirements:

Observers are specialist surgeons or senior registrars in their final years of training as general or trauma surgeons. They are supposed to provide a short CV, a letter of endorsement by their own hospital or unit for internal use of the Trauma Unit. This attachment is open to individuals from any institution who have a good knowledge of English

Duration:

The recommended time period for an observer at CHBAH is 2-6 weeks; longer periods if desired would include an attachment to the Burns Unit/ Intensive Care Unit and/or the Trauma Unit at the Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital

Availability:

Observer slots are available throughout the year, in coordination with other observers.

Processing time:

Approximately 1-2 weeks, done internally

B) Surgical Registrar or Surgical Specialist on Rotation

Definition:

Surgical registrars or surgical specialists join the Trauma Directorate as Junior Registrars, irrespective of qualification and seniority, and are primarily responsible for the resuscitation of trauma patients, triage, intubation and ventilation, placement of intercostal drains, central venous lines, E-FAST examinations, and supervision of interns and students in the trauma emergency department and resuscitation room. During this time, which normally takes 1-2 months, they are encouraged to assist or perform in the operating room, but their main responsibility remains critical care patient management. In view of the large number of trauma patients presenting with severe burns and head injuries, they are encouraged to spend a few days in the Burn Unit and with the Department of Neurosurgery. After demonstrating competence in multi-patients management and emergency room procedures they are then placed on the Senior Registrar roster for the remainder of their attachment. Their main responsibility will then be to manage the junior staff, resolve critical care management problems, and surgery, including abdominal, pelvic, thoracic, vascular and neck surgery, most often assisted by the duty consultants but also on their own if competent.

Requirements:

No individual programs exist for the rotations being offered. At present, all the available slots are reserved for existing exchange rotations with national and professional organization from Germany, Finland, Greece, Spain and United States. A new rotation with the West African College of Surgeons is about to start. Participation in this program requires registration with the Health Professions Council of South Africa. A list of all requirements are attached as “Appendix 1” at the bottom of this document, together with detailed recommendations on how to go about it. Occasionally, rotational slots may become available, but no individual may apply unless known to the Trauma Unit, having completed a period as observer, or having already taken part in an approved rotation at an earlier date.

Duration:

Rotational attachments last 3 months (Expected to last for 6 months for the West African College of Surgeons Rotation)

Availability:

Not available to individuals, with the above mentioned exceptions.

Processing time:

Approximately 4-6 months, due to the applications having to be processed at different levels within the hospital as well as at the HPCSA.

C) Fellowship in Trauma Surgery

Definition:

The Colleges of Medicine of South Africa has recently recognized the Sub Speciality in Trauma Surgery (since 2007). There are approximately 25 registered Trauma Surgeons in South Africa The program entails a 2 year post speciality fellowship and an exam, at the successful completion of which a “Certificate in Trauma Surgery” would be issued. The 2 year fellowship at the University of the Witwatersrand is based on clinical attachments to the Trauma Units of the Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital (CHBAH) and the Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital (CMJAH), and comprises time spent in the Trauma Units and in the General ICU at CHBAH, and in the General and Trauma ICUs at the CMJAH. A shorter Trauma Fellowships for foreign surgeons of 6 months to 1 year duration has been mooted for consideration at the moment, although at the end there would be no recognition by the HPCSA as a sub-specialty, but only an attendance certificate from the Trauma Units.

Requirements:

This fellowship is open to surgeons who are recognized as specialists in South Africa either through a South African training program in surgery or specialists who qualified abroad, and whose speciality has been recognized by the South African Health Professional Council (HPCSA). During the fellowship, surgeons from outside South Africa would be considered to be supernumerary registrars/medical officers, and the Certificate in Trauma Surgery obtained would not be a registrable sub-speciality qualification in South Africa There are a maximum of 4-5 Trauma Fellows on the Wits Circuit at any given time between the Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital and the Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital, There are 2 ways of accessing a Fellows Position, either through a paid or unpaid post. Paid posts are very difficult to obtain for foreign doctors in a training position in Central Hospitals. In order to access an unpaid position, a candidate would have to provide proof of financial support for the duration of the Fellowship.

Duration:

2 years for a fellowship leading to a Certificate in Trauma Surgery, 6 months to 1 year for fellowships recognized with attendance document.

Availability:

This changes all the time: 1 or 2 positions are often vacant.

Processing time:

Approximately 6- 12 months, due to the applications as medical practitioner having to be processed at different levels within the hospital as well as at the HPCSA and then for the assessment of equivalence of speciality training.

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2) ATTACHMENT FOR EMERGENCY MEDICINE CONSULTANTS AND REGISTRARS

A) Observer:

Definition:

Requirements:

Observers are specialist emergency physicians or senior registrars in their final years of training. They are supposed to provide a short CV, a letter of endorsement by their own hospital or unit for internal use of the Trauma Unit. This attachment is open to individuals from any institution who have a good knowledge of English

Duration:

The recommended time period for an observer at CHBAH is 2-6 weeks; longer periods if desired would include an attachment to the Intensive Care Unit and/or the Trauma Unit at the Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital

Availability:

Observer slots are available throughout the year, in coordination with other observers and with the Department of Emergency Medicine.

Processing time:

Approximately 1-2 weeks, done internally

B) Emergency Medicine Registrar or Emergency Physician on Rotation

Definition:

Emergency medicine registrars and specialists join the Trauma Directorate as Junior Registrars, irrespective of qualification and seniority, and are primarily responsible for the resuscitation of trauma patients, triage, intubation and ventilation, placement of intercostal drains, central venous lines, E-FAST examinations, and supervision of interns and students in the trauma emergency department and resuscitation room.
They are supposed to do ward rounds in the Trauma Ward, and in particular help in the evaluation and treatment of medical conditions in trauma patients They are also expected to respond to ward emergencies in the Trauma Ward and the Burns Unit.
During their attachment they are encouraged to observe and assist in the operating room, but their main responsibility remains critical care patient management. Procedures emphasized during their attachment include insertion of CVP lives, intercostal drains, ultrasound, flexible bronchoscopy, percutaneous tracheostomy, suture of complex lacerations, ultrasound guided nerve blocks, optic nerve ultrasounds in patients with head injuries, recruitment manoeuvres and other ventilation skills in patients in the emergency room and in the trauma ward.

Requirements:

No organized programs exist for the emergency medicine rotation being offered.
Individuals interested in taking part in this rotation are encouraged to involve their Hospitals, Universities and Professional Associations in order to initiate approved rotations.
Requests for specific dates will be coordinated with the Department of Emergency Medicine in order to avoid overcrowding.
Participation in this program requires registration with the Health Professions Council of South Africa. A list of all requirements are attached as “Appendix 1” at the bottom of this document, together with detailed recommendations on how to go about it.

Duration:

Rotational attachments last 3 months.

Availability:

Available to individuals at present.

Processing time:

Approximately 4-6 months, due to the applications having to be processed at different levels within the hospital as well as at the HPCSA.

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GENERAL INFORMATION

Accommodation: See Below under Section Accommodation

Transport: Hiring a car is necessary, no public transport is available

Work Conditions: Everybody works 24 hour (+3-4 hours) shifts when on intake, followed by the rest of the day off, then normal day shifts when not on intake

PRELIMINARY ENQUIRIES: CONTACT THE TRAUMA DIRECTOR, PROF FRANK PLANI AT frankplani @ icloud.com or frankplani @ bigpond.com (no spaces)

APPENDIX 1: LIST OF REQUIREMENTS FOR 3 MONTHS ROTATING / TRAUMA FELLOWSHIP POSITIONS

Instructions for Registration in Volunteer Category

Please confirm the start and end dates of the training period which you are hoping to spend in the Trauma Unit

REGISTRATION WITH THE HPCSA

The following documents are required and must be sent by courier (not by normal, registered or express postal services) to the following address:

Document Pack Delivery Address:

Attention: Prof Frank Plani
C/o Edith or Chantal

Suite 103 Nevada Building
NetCare Union Hospital Level 1 Trauma Center
47 Clinton Road
Alberton 1450
Ekurhuleni
South Africa

Contact details:
Phone +27 119072981/ +27118692775
Fax +27 119071349
Mobile Edith +2783 2546330
Chantal +27 732276637

Document list:

Completed form 10
(This document, confirming your completed internship must be signed and stamped by all the hospitals involved and by the CEO/ Superintendent)

i. Completed form 12
(This document must be signed in all the relevant spaced provided and certified by a commissioner of oaths/justice of the peace, who must also stamp his/her signature with the official stamp of office)

ii. Completed application form 184 to the HPCSA

iii. iii. A notarized copy of your basic medical/dental degree certificate
a. Faxed or scanned copies are not accepted by the HPCSA, originals or copies which are certified and stamped by a public notary are mandatory
b. A sworn translation into English is required if the original documents are not in English. Both the original and the translation must be signed and stamped by the Notary Public.

iv. Evidence of registration with your local medical/dental council.
A sworn translation into English is required if the original document is not in English. v. A recent ORIGINAL letter of good standing from your local medical/dental council, which clearly states that there are no legal or disciplinary cases outstanding against you
c. A sworn translation into English is required if the original document is not in English. d. Please note that the date of issue on this certificate must be less than three months prior to submission to the HPCSA. vi. A notarized copy of your passport
(Faxed or scanned copies are not accepted by the HPCSA. Originals or copies certified and stamped by a notary public are required) vii. A copy of your curriculum vitae
viii. A registration fee of R98.00 in favour of the Health Professions Council of South Africa. A credit card authorization form is attached.
o Do not use cash or bank transfers as this will delay processing of your application by the HPCSA. ix. Application for an honorary position At Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital
This will be submitted by us to the hospital authority x. Evidence of English language proficiency (IELTS score of not less than 7 / should you have graduated from an English medium University, a letter from your University stating that English is the formal language of instruction can be submitted in lieu of this requirement).
xi. Foreign Workforce Management application for endorsement

CHECKLISTS to ensure you have supplied the required documentation:

We will provide you with a letter of offer of a volunteer position as soon as we have the dates of your proposed visit as a volunteer in the Trauma Unit.
You will require malpractice insurance cover for the duration of your attachment and personal medical aid cover. Malpractice insurance can be arranged when you arrive in Johannesburg. If you would like to have details prior to your arrival, you may wish the contact Mr Ian Middleton on email medprotection@global.co.za. However, this cannot be finalized until you have been registered with the HPCSA.
You will also require evidence of personal medical aid cover valid in South Africa for the duration of your attachment.
Registration and Administration fee:
1) A once off administration fee of ZAR 500.00 for the University of the Witwatersrand (Credit card authorization is attached).
2) A once off administration fee to the CHBAH Trauma Unit for the actual collation of documents, taking them to the HPCSA, etc, etc, of approximately ZAR 2500.00 ( It varies according to the number of actual hours spent obtaining the registration papers from the HPCSA and travelling to and from).

Accommodation for Foreign Doctors and Elective Students wishing to work at the Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic and Charlotte Maxeke Hospitals in Gauteng.

On arrival in South Africa, we recommended you utilize a private taxi service to your chosen accommodation destination- transport from the airport is not a service provided by Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital (CHBH). All accommodation recommended in this information sheet has a history of hosting foreign doctors and elective students. On booking your accommodation, please confirm rates for accommodation.
All hosts would be in a position to assist you with sightseeing outings should you be interested in seeing some of our wild life.

Accommodation

Private Accommodation

Owner: Dr Christine Jann- Kruger

This accommodation is located in Roosevelt Park (near Northcliff corner), situated on a privately owned property and home. This fully furnished accommodation offers a newly renovated, stand alone outside room with own bathroom. The kitchen is situated in the main house and is run much like a commune- all catering for your own needs. Accommodation includes access to a washing machine, bedding, covers and towels, established garden, braai and pool area. This location is close to shopping and restaurant facilities and takes about 30 min (by car) to Baragwanath Hospital. Dr Christine is Head of Surgery, Edenvale Hospital.

Contact Information:
Email: christinejk23o5@hotmail.com
Cell: 082 550 5090

Swanage Accommodation

Owner: Dr Alan Peter

Dr Alan Peter offers accommodation located in Sandringham – a well established Jewish suburb which has an excellent safety rate in South Africa.
Accommodation includes- 4 double and 1 single room with access to a fully equipped kitchen, laundry and servicing facilities with 50 Gb of free internet. Parking is plentiful, with a large swimming pool and Koi pond for those who choose this option. DSTV and table tennis are available. There are no dogs. Estimated travel time from this location to Baragwanath is approximately 25 minutes off peak time via N3 highway. Car hire is recommended as public transport is unreliable and poorly available. Dr Peter is well known to Kinetic Car hire who will assist you with reasonable car hire. They will come to the house to organise this. Dr Alan, being a Specialist Physician and Pulmonologist at Baragwanath Hospital, has an office with internet facility, located at the hospital which provides a secure lock up facility, fridge and coffee machine for those wishing to store their laptops whilst on duty and rest if needed before driving home.
On request, Dr Peter is also an Honorary Officer for the North West Parks board and organizes weekend Safari's to the Pilanesburg (big 5) game reserve depending on work commitment.
Swanage has been the home for 252 medical professionals from 30 countries in the last 9 years.

Contact Information:
Email: alanpeter@ymail.com
Cell: 083 772 4377
Website: www.swanage.co.za
Rates: R200/day

Elective Accommodation

Owner: Christine Loukakis:

This accommodation is located in a large garden with (magnificent trees and lots of birds!), situated in the suburb of Mondeor, which is a 10 minute drive from Baragwanath Hospital. This facility includes four rooms with a fully equipped kitchen, dining room, lounge, two bathrooms, TV, telephone, Dstv and ADSL. Included in this package are a veggie garden and access to the pool area. Please bring your own lap tops; a secure lock up safe is available for the laptops when you are at the hospitals. The house is serviced twice a week, washing, ironing, cleaning and cooking if time allowed. (Towels, hairdryer, iron, etc all provided). The house is situated in a secure walled property and linked to a 24 hour security company. Public transport is not reliable (the bus route is one block away, a 2 min walk) so car rental would be advised.
Rates vary on length of stay.
No subletting or extra guests are allowed unless arranged with Christine in advance.
On request, Dr Peter is also an Honorary Officer for the North West Parks board and organizes weekend Safari's to the Pilanesburg (big 5) game reserve depending on work commitment.
Swanage has been the home for 252 medical professionals from 30 countries in the last 9 years.

Contact Information:
Email: louakis@iafrica.com
Cell: 082 330 1893
Website address: http://www.elective-accomodation.co.za
Rates: Approximate rate - R195.00/day

Local terms:

A braai is the South African version of a barbecue.

South African public transport offers limited bus services, but extensive mini-bus and private taxi services. Mini bus transport is not recommended. Car hire is recommended for your duration of stay in SA.