Global Health Opportunity: Kenya

The ob-gyn department  is proud to be a partner in the global health initiative, the AMPATH program. Through partnership with Kenya, we aim to improve the provision of obstetric and gynaecologic care, to participate in novel research and to provide opportunities for medical and cultural exchange for our students and faculty. Opportunities may be available for residents to participate in clinical and research work and exchanges.

Our work in Kenya: The AMPATH program 

AMPATH is a long-standing program providing primary health care throughout western Kenya from a base in Eldoret. It balances clinical care with education and research to be a sustainable, innovative and evidence-based model.

In 2007, the University of Toronto Temerty Faculty of Medicine, led by the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, entered into a partnership with the Department of Reproductive Health at Moi University School of Medicine (MUSOM) in Eldoret, Kenya, through the AMPATH Consortium. The AMPATH Consortium, led by Indiana University School of Medicine, partners with Moi University College of Health Sciences (MUCHS) and Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH) to implement the Academic Model Providing Access to Healthcare (AMPATH) in western Kenya. The ob-gyn department leads the reproductive health component of the partnership (AMPATH-RH) and continues to lead U of T’s participation in AMPATH.

AMPATH-Reproductive Health (RH) is supporting the advancement of maternal, newborn and child health through the implementation of a diverse range of care, education and research activities. This very exciting initiative involves representatives of all institutions involved and continues to grow. Principal areas of implementation include:

• Provision of excellent maternal and neonatal care, including both urban and rural areas;
• Improved detection and management of cervical cancer and precancerous lesions, including potential use of the HPV vaccine; 
• Care around Obstetrical Fistula, including primary and secondary prevention as well as repair. 

This program includes a bilateral student exchange program, at both the undergraduate and postgraduate level, in addition to staff exchanges. Opportunities to support service, education and research within AMPATH are available. You can find descriptions of past elective opportunities for medical students and residents on our AMPATH page. At this time, placement opportunities are for students from AMPATH-partner schools only, with preference given to students from AMPATH-RH schools; namely, Indiana University and the University of Toronto.

For additional information about opportunities and to get involved, please contact Joe George, Program Administrator, Fellowships and Global Health.

Scholarship Opportunities

The Society of Obstetricians and Gynecologists of Canada (SOGC) also has a strong tradition of international health work and provides scholarships for students and residents pursuing international health work. Please contact the SOGC directly for more information about these awards.