Postgraduate Training Course in Reproductive Health/Chronic Disease
Course Report
23 February 2004 – 02 April 2004
the Geneva Foundation for Medical Education and Research,
the International Association for Maternal and Neonatal Health (IAMANEH)
the UNDP/UNFPA/WHO/World Bank Special Programme for Research in Human Reproduction, Department of Reproductive Health and Research; Family and Community Health Cluster (WHO/RHR)
the WHO Noncommunicable Diseases and Mental Health Cluster (WHO/NMH)
and
Policy and Strategy on Traditional Medicine/Department of Essential Drugs and Medicines Policy and Department of Essential Health Technologies; Health Technology and Pharmaceuticals Cluster (WHO/HTP)
in collaboration with
the Department of Health of the Canton of Geneva
the Faculty of Medicine, Geneva University
and
the Geneva Medical Association
Participants
This year, there were 34 participants from 23 different nations, of whom 26 received full study grants. See List of Participants - Reproductive Health; List of Participants - Chronic Disease.
Course lay-out
The course was structured in a 2 weeks’ research methodology module for all participants, followed by a 3 weeks’ course in reproductive health or chronic disease.
Lectures
The Reproductive Health course was structured in eight modules with morning lectures and afternoon sessions, as follows: Basic Pathophysiological Principles; Genetics; Family Planning; Infertility; Gynaecological Endocrinology; Genital Infections/Sexually Transmitted Infections and Cancers; Obstetrics.
The Chronic Disease course was structured around the following topics: Diabetes; Cardiovascular Diseases; Substance Abuse; Mental Health; Obesity; Cancer; Integrated NCD Prevention; Health Promotion; Surveillance; Screening; Ageing; Violence and Injury Prevention. See Lecture plan.
The afternoon sessions provided mostly more general information about different reproductive health/chronic disease issues in different regions and settings. This included information sessions on how to prepare a research proposal/ grant proposal, how to write a scientific paper and guidelines how to publish in international medical journals.
Speakers were WHO staff from the Geneva headquarters, lecturers from the Geneva University, GFMER and some invited speakers from academic institutions abroad. More than 80 speakers and tutors were involved in the course. See List of Lecturers.
Facilities
Throughout the course all students had access to personal computers (2 students sharing 1 computer) at the library of the Faculty of Medicine. Access to Internet and Medline enabled them to conduct the literature search, bibliographic review and prepare their written and oral presentation electronically. Basic training on the use of Internet, Medline and PowerPoint was provided. Two libraries (at the Faculty of Medicine and at WHO) were available for the participants and professional help from librarians could be obtained if necessary.
Exams
Research Methodology & Reproductive Health:
In order to obtain the certificate, participants had to pass an exam, consisting of 3 parts:
- a bibliographic review on a topic of their interest, under the supervision of a tutor
- a 15 minutes oral presentation
- a multiple choice test (60 questions)
The certificate is issued jointly by GFMER and WHO/RHR.
Research Methodology & Chronic Disease:
The participants in this group had to pass a similar exam to receive a certificate, issued by WHO/Non-communicable disease and mental health cluster.
Accommodation
Most of the participants stayed at ‘Le Cenacle’, some at the 'Résidence Veyrier' located in the centre of Geneva.
Funding
The course has been supported by the organizing institutions in collaboration with other Swiss and International Organizations. Funding for scholarships came from sponsors listed below, covering study grants for 26 participants, as follows:
| Sponsor | Use |
| The World Health Organization (NMH/WHO) | 15 study grants |
| The International Association for Maternal and Neonatal Health (IAMANEH) | 8 study grants 1 scientific grant |
| Société Médicale Cooperative de Beaulieu | 2 study grants |
| Geneva – Yaoundé Cooperation | 1 study grant |
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