Pacific Dermatology Training Center-From birth to infancy

ABSTRACT

The Pacific Dermatology Training Center began its life on February 8th 2019 when it was officially opened by the Hon Minister for Health in Fiji- Hon Ifereimi Waqainabete in Tamavua, Suva, Fiji. This marked a new beginning for Dermatology Services in Fiji-it now has a Training arm that will strengthen Dermatology Services in Fiji and the South Pacific. Following the opening, four young medical officers enrolled through Fiji National University to become the first cohort of the Postgraduate Diploma in Dermatology Programme. While the major disciplines (Internal Medicine, Surgery, Paediatrics, Obstetrics and Gynaecology) have had their postgraduate programme to Masters Level for more than 20 years with the then Fiji School of Medicine, dermatology like many subspecialities was not included. The first dermatology trainees were from Kiribati, Samoa and two from Fiji. The 2019 academic year, although challenging, had four trainees successfully complete the programme through the FNU accredited and supervised programme. Three trainees enrolled in 2020-two Fijians and one from Papua New Guinea, The Covid19 pandemic caused the teaching and assessment to be converted to on-line, in conjunction with clinic participation and supervision. The Fijian trainees were diverted for Covid 19 response. Our PNG student returned home after the first semester, with online teaching and assessment continuing from Fiji and Australia, and the trainee passed the examinations in February 2021. The center continues to survive and three trainees enrolled in 2021 including two Fijian and one Solomon Islander doctors. 2022 will see commencement of the Masters In Medicine (Dermatology) programme and continuation of the Diploma, with 4 students already registering interest. Online teaching will be supplemented by local clinic supervision. The presentation therefore highlights this journey and the players involved behind the scene.