Updates in Emergency Medicine

This course was created based upon Dr John Cahill’s personal observation of the tragic number of lives lost due to the lack of healthcare providers trained in the basic skills and principles of emergency medicine. The emergency medicine approach to the critically ill or trauma patient can greatly increase patient survival and positive outcomes. Basic emergency medical care does not require thousand of dollars of fancy medical equipment. A healthcare provider needs only to be equipped with the proper knowledge, his hands, and some simple tools. The approach to the patient is the same, whether you are in New York City or the plains of Africa.

Having recognized this need, in 1996, Dr. Cahill created a curriculum on emergency medicine as a component of the Diploma in Tropical Medicine in conjunction with the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland. This Diploma course is held on an annual basis and is attended by physicians from all parts of the world. During the course, he was astounded to learn that most physicians have no understanding of the very basic principles of resuscitation and simple procedures which can instantly save a life. The training that they received had a huge impact on these physicians. This feedback led to the development of a formal and separate course titled “Updates in Emergency Medicine.”

The goals of this course were: to introduce the specialty of emergency medicine to healthcare providers, to teach the basic essential principles and skills, to develop a continuing collaboration between countries to further educational opportunities, and foremost to allow the global patient population to benefit from this exchange of knowledge. The first course was held in the fall of 2000 at the Royal College of Surgeon in Ireland with support from a generous grant from the Ireland Funds, and was a tremendous success. Since 2000, over 30 participating faculty members have generously donated their time. To date, the faculty has been comprised of experts in emergency medicine from leading institutions and medical schools from around the world: The Royal College of Surgeon in Ireland, University College of Dublin, University of Hawaii, John Hopkins School of Public Health, Brown University, Harvard University, Cornell University, Stanford University, Georgetown University, and Columbia University. The textbook “Updates in Emergency Medicine” to accompany the course was edited by Dr. John Cahill and was published in 2002. Over a thousand copies of this textbook have been distributed to attendees and medical libraries throughout the world.

This course has successfully been held ten times (in Ireland, Kenya, and Thailand), with over 400 graduates. Depending on the site of the course, it has been provided at low or no cost to attendees. The size of each class is limited to 40 and the curriculum is tailored to recognize the needs of the participants as well as considering the cultural context where the course is being held. The course has had a direct impact on the practice of medicine on many different levels. Emergency medicine is now a recognized specialty with academic training available in Ireland. Several physicians have been invited do post graduate training in emergency medicine in the USA with the expectation that they will return home afterwards. Faculty have collaborated on several projects and visited medical institutions in the United States, Ireland, Kenya, and Thailand. Finally, emergency medical care has greatly improved in the countries from which the attendees come, directly impacting and improving the health of the countries’ population.



HIV/TB Program in West Pokot, Kenya

During the late 1990’s as tuberculosis and HIV infection rates were skyrocketing in Northwest Kenya, Dr. Cahill started an educational program in partnership with Ortum Hospital, the district medical officer, traditional healers, and the Division of Infectious Diseases at Brown University. This program initially focused on educating the local population through public speaking campaigns utilizing local politicians and celebrities. The major goals of these sessions were: to educate the population on the diseases and dispel common myths, try to eliminate the stigmata associated with these diseases, introduce the concept that these were common diseases, and the importance of being screened and tested. Thanks to several donations, confidential HIV counseling and testing was available for free to anyone individual who was interested.

After several years of collecting data, it was clear that the rates of tuberculosis and HIV were of grave public health concern. At that time, the closest hospital that had the best laboratories and healthcare providers to deal with these challenges was Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Eldoret. They generously agreed to give further HIV and tuberculosis training to regional hospitalŐs physicians and several laboratory technicians. They were also the site of one of the most successful antiretroviral program in Kenya. Realizing the need for better local expert care in the area, Dr. Cahill met with the district medical officer and several non governmental organizations. The final outcome of these endeavors was that Kapenguria District Hospital was the most suited to become a dedicated HIV/tuberculosis center. The goals of this center were to accurately diagnose and treat tuberculosis, expand and enhance HIV prevention, care, and treatment in the hospital, health centers, and surrounding communities. Funding for this program was established by partnering with Doctors of The World. Since 2004, this program has been operational.



Global Health Fellowship

This fellowship supports individuals who have an interest in global health and have a specific project or collaboration in mind. The goal of these fellowships is to offer financial assistance to an individual who would otherwise not be able to pursue a project. The Center does not arrange for specific projects and activities, that is the responsibility of the applicant. However the program or activity must be in line with the mission of the Center. Although in the past most of the fellows have been in the healthcare profession, other disciplines and professions may be considered.

A total of ten fellowships are awarded per year for the amount ranging between $750 to $1,500 US Dollars.

All fellows are expected to submit a one to two page summary of their project/activity to the Center upon completion of their fellowship.

Fellows who demonstrate the potential of an ongoing project, sustainability, or collaboration may apply on an annual basis.

If interested, click here to download a PDF version of the application.

Deadline for applications is the first of May each year.



Grants for Sustainability of Essential Programs & Services

These grants are given to institutions and not individuals. The purpose of these grants is to assist organizations in implementing new programs or to help sustain already existing programs in line with the mission of the Center. Funded programs must demonstrate an established infrastructure and the capability to become a self sufficent program in the near term.

Grants of up to $20,000 US dollars per year will be awarded. The deadline for application is the first of July.

For further information or to request an application, please contact the Center.