Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre
KILIMANJARO CHRISTIAN MEDICAL COLLEGE OF TUMAINI UNIVERSITY
Moshi, Tanzania
Site Preceptor: Dr. Blandina Mmbaga, Pediatrician KCMC
Background
Kilimanjaro Christian Medical College (KCMC) is 1 of 4 referral hospitals and medical schools in Tanzania. Duke has substantial clinical research collaborations with KCMC, and has placed medical students, residents, and fellows there for training opportunities since 1985. Duke faculty members, Drs. Dorothy Dow and Matt Rubach are on site full-time with frequent visits from Dr. John Bartlett and Dr. Nathan Thielman for on-site mentorship in research and training endeavors.
Clinical Opportunities
Duke trainees have joined the inpatient and outpatient clinical services for learning opportunities. They may join inpatient service and care for patients with a spectrum of poverty-related diseases, especially tuberculosis, malaria, and HIV infection. The outpatient clinic provides similar opportunities in a high-volume setting, with similar experiences also available in pediatrics. Some trainees have also visited community health organizations such as KIWAKKUKI, AMANI home for street children, and regional and local hospitals, such as Mawenzi Hospital, for a broader experience in care.
Research
Duke residents on two month clinical elective rotations do not engage in research efforts. However, substantial research efforts are underway by faculty and residents/fellows enrolled in the Global Health Pathway. These efforts address a broad range of subjects including voluntary testing and counseling, disease staging, pathogenesis, complications, antiretroviral therapy, and vaccine development. Funding for this research has been provided by the National Institutes of Health, the pharmaceutical industry, and private donors.
