Background

The Aga Khan University (AKU) is a private, not for profit, international University first established in 1983, with 11 teaching sites in eight countries. The Aga Khan University, Nairobi offers training in Neonatology in the Department of Paediatrics and Child Health. This fellowship is aimed at contributing to the attainment of the highest possible level of neonatal and child health in East Africa through high quality care, teaching, research, and advocacy. The program exists to promote and advance knowledge, skills, and practice of healthcare workers in Neonatology.
Successful applicants will undergo a two-year competency-based training program at the Aga Khan University which includes extensive supervised clinical experience. The fellow will also do a research project which should be submitted for publication prior to completion of the program. Fellows will have a dual reporting to the Fellowship Program Director and Chair department of Paediatrics and Child Health, and the fellowship is competency based, where fellows complete a specified written course study in Neonatology and engage in case- based study as outlined in the curriculum.
Program Objectives include:
• To produce highly skilled Neonatologists who will be regional leaders providing quality care locally and beyond.
• To promote and advance knowledge, skills, and practice of Neonatology.
• To promote relevant research in cardiology that will help reach the Sustainable Development Goals for sub-Saharan Africa.
• To develop relevant guidelines for prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and care of neonates.
• To collaborate with relevant colleges, organizations, and associations in the Region and internationally as appropriate.
• To promote neurological health through advocacy for improved awareness, prevention, and access to high-quality care.

Minimum admission requirements:

Candidates will be considered eligible for trainee fellowship in the Paediatric Neurology Fellowship Program if they meet all the following requirements:

1. A qualified paediatrician with a Master of Medicine in Paediatrics and Child Health (MMED) from a recognized university or an equivalent qualification from an institution recognized by the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council.
2. Registered to practice in Kenya by the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council.
3. Completion of at least two years of practice as a Paediatrician.
4. Currently employed as a paediatrician in a recognized health institution.
5. Evidence of proficiency in English language if previous degrees were not in English.
6. Valid professional indemnity cover during the period of training.
7. Following interviews, successful candidates employed by the county governments need to secure approval and release from a county government or institution training committee. This release should include commitment from the employer to continue your salary during the training period.
8. Evidence of bonding from the current employer will be required from successful candidates, prior to admission to commence training.

Recruitment into the programme will be conducted through a transparent competitive selection process that would include consideration of a written application, shortlisting and interview process.

Personal attributes:
• Demonstrate high-level clinical skills and display an understanding of family engagement in the care of neonates.
• Good communication skills.
• Effective team player and manager.
• An organized learner with an appropriate training mindset.

Key Responsibilities:
• Conduct daily ward rounds. Participate actively in all matters relating to patient care and contribute to decision-making during daily rounds, with assistance from the attending staff.
• Review and examine patients consistently by performing such duties as taking case histories, conducting physical examinations, and ordering diagnostic laboratory and radiology studies in discussion with consultants.

• Participate in practical clinical rotations in Aga Khan University Hospital, and Kenyatta National Hospital. Fellows will rotate in the in-patient and out-patient areas. Clinical experience will include ‘on-call’ duties.
• Initiate discussions with patients and caregivers to enable better diagnostic and therapeutic medical care and services.
• Provide telephone guidance to physicians seeking advice from the AKUHN affiliated staff for acute neonatal-related disorders during evenings and weekends/holidays, with backup provided from the attending staff.
• Assist in the performance of certain technical procedures, as per privileges under the direct supervision of the attending physician.
• Approve/clarify orders (investigations, consultations, and treatments) written by junior house staff in cases of uncertainty.
• Attend to critical patients in a timely manner. When necessary, carry out privileged and potentially life-saving emergency surgical and medical procedures as per privileges and competency.
• Educate patients on wellness, prevention and early detection of neonatal conditions.
• Provide appropriate materials, resources and referrals to patients, family members/care givers.
• Educate patients on informed consent, choice of attending physician and right to seek second opinion.
• Present cases at ward and clinic-pathology/ multidisciplinary rounds, Morbidity and Mortality Rounds.
• Provide regular junior resident teaching, under the supervision of the attending staff.
• Supervision and education of junior house staff.
• Take charge of morning rounds, and be the first voice in generating patient management
• Initiate timely discussions with relevant consultants/departments to arrive at the best treatment plan for specialized cases.
• Attend morning hand-over and sign-out rounds to assist in transferring care to/from the on-call teams.
• Ensure that daily progress notes are made for all patients.
• Assist in screening potential transfers/admissions to/from critical care units, with assistance from the attending staff

Fellowship Completion requirements To successfully complete the fellowship requirements, the fellow will be expected to:

• Participate in clinics and external rotations as assigned / determined by the curriculum rotation timelines.
• Timely completion of logbook requirements, providing details of procedures performed, patients managed, and clinical/pathological meetings attended.
• Completion of a scholarly article and publishing it in a reputable peer reviewed journal.
• Upon completion of the 2-year training period, the fellow will undergo post-training mentorship for one year and is expected to carry out a quality improvement project in their facility/hospital.

How to Apply
Applications should include a cover letter, detailed current curriculum vitae, statement of motivation, academic certificates and transcripts.
The application should be sent by email to: The Chairperson, Department of Paediatrics, Aga Khan University – mc.ea@aku.edu.

The closing date for applications is open until filled.