Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists

Contacts

RCOG International Office:

Professor Jim Dornan
Senior Vice President - International       

Miss Beryl Stevens, Deputy Chief Executive, International     
Bina Patel - Manager International Office                 
Miss Joan Hayman - Awards/ODTF/DSS Administrator
Mrs Catherine Wood - Secretary, International Office          

International Activities

In 2005 the RCOG/the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine (LSTM) and Liverpool Associates of Tropical Health (LATH) signed a Memorandum of Understanding that has seen the development of a RCOG International Office. This new initiative will strengthen existing links and create opportunities to bring together the resources, expertise and networks of all partners to contribute to the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).

The overall aim of the International Office is to draw on the expertise and experience of the RCOG and its global network to make an effective and valued contribution to improving Sexual and Reproductive healthcare worldwide and in particular to reducing maternal and neonatal mortality and morbidity. In particular it will seek to:

• work in partnership with other UK and International Agencies, to strengthen links, facilitate a multidisciplinary approach and encourage dialogue.
• co-ordinate the development of educational tools for under resourced countries.
• co-ordinate the development of clinical standards for under resourced countries.
• develop a framework for improvements in reproductive health in developing countries.
• lobby governments including Commonwealth Health Ministers to influence and educate on the problems and solutions to maternal mortality.
• assist in the exchange of skilled personnel and training programmes.
• collaborate with RCOG International Representative Committees and to encourage dialogue at a national level in all relevant countries.

Relevant personnel for its London/Liverpool office can be found on the website.

There is now a flourishing International Executive Board and an Advisory Group, which are at the centre of many projects internationally.

The RCOG has 29 overseas Representative Committees representing over 5,000 Fellows and Members overseas and the Chairs of these Committees meet on an annual basis.

The RCOG has established RCOG/Iraqi Liaison Group since 2003. This Group has established a Clinical Fellowship Scheme for senor Iraqi obstetricians and gynaecologists who are in charge of services and have a role in teaching undergraduates and postgraduates. This involved a one-month’s observation attachment to designated units in the UK.

International Activities

A. Life Saving Skills Working with WHO and other partners, the RCOG has developed a Lifesaving Skills Manual, which when combined with a practical three day course helps strengthen health systems and scale up the skills of practitioners from basic to comprehensive emergency obstetric care. 

B. Diploma in Reproductive Health Working with Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine Liverpool Associates in Tropical Health the RCOG has been providing and supporting an annual Diploma in Reproductive Health for twelve years.  Places in this three-month residency programme are keenly sought by midwives, nurses, doctors from all over the world and two hundred and fifty diplomates have graduated.

C. Sponsorship schemes The RCOG organises two schemes by which approximately thirty International Medical Graduates (IMGs) are selected, on a competitive basis, and placed in a two-year training programme in the UK Deaneries. 

D.  Technology The RCOG is in the process of establishing two websites.  The first will allow the user to access a country folder, which on opening will reveal the contact data of our members who are involved in international work and identify their areas of commitment and expertise.  The second site will allow the user to determine relevant information regarding the myriad of Life Saving Skills Courses in maternal and neonatal health worldwide.

Working Abroad

Working with the Voluntary Services Overseas (VSO), the RCOG promotes a Fellowship for senior trainees in obstetrics and gynaecology.  In the past trainees have worked in Kenya and Indonesia.

Short-term SpR placements – the RCOG has obtained funding for travel and accommodation for senior Specialist Registrars to gain short-term experience in under resourced-countries and already trainees have gone to India, Bangladesh and South Africa.

The RCOG is also in the process of developing an exchange programme for senior trainees and elective placements for medical students.

Travelling Fellowships:

The RCOG funds several travelling fellowships for overseas trainees to visit the UK or for senior academics in the UK to visit overseas centres, for example, Malcolm Black Travel Fellowship, Bernhard Baron Travelling Scholarship and Eden Travelling Fellowship.

Full details of the RCOG’s international agenda can be found on its website

June 2006