PATS MECOR 2024: A Week of Learning, Mentorship, and Collaboration

The Pan African Thoracic Society (PATS) successfully hosted its annual Methods in Epidemiologic, Clinical, and Operations Research (MECOR) course from 16th to 20th September 2024 at the scenic Brackenhurst Hotel & Conference Centre in Limuru, Kenya. This year’s program brought together an incredible mix of faculty, students, and mentors from across Africa and beyond, fostering a dynamic environment for research and professional development.

Key Highlights from PATS MECOR 2024

1. Structured Training for Three Levels of Research Development

The course featured three levels:

• Level 1: Foundational training on research methods for newcomers to clinical research.
• Level 2: Intermediate focus on data analysis and manuscript preparation.
• Level 3: Advanced guidance on grant writing and proposal development, co-led by Dr. Babatunde Awokola and Prof. Refiloe Masekela

Students were immersed in a rigorous schedule of lectures, group discussions, and hands-on workshops, with personalized guidance from their faculty mentors.

2. Mentorship Program with Sonia Buist

A special feature of this year’s program was the mentorship sessions led by Dr. Sonia Buist. Through one-on-one and group sessions, students gained valuable insights into career development, research ethics, and effective collaboration in low-resource settings. Her mentorship was widely appreciated and underscored the importance of nurturing the next generation of African respiratory researchers.

3. Air Quality Monitoring (AQM) Workshop

Led by Dr. Babatunde Awokola, the AQM workshop provided hands-on training in the quantification of respiratory hazards and air pollution, focusing on particulate matter (PM). The workshop was instrumental in equipping participants with tools to address the growing burden of respiratory diseases in Africa.

4. Faculty Contributions and Engagement

The program was enriched by faculty members who offered lectures, shared expertise, and facilitated discussions. A faculty dinner hosted at Nifty Restaurant provided an opportunity to network and reflect on the program’s impact.

5. Celebrate My Success Presentations

Participants shared their ongoing research projects during the “Celebrate My Success” session, fostering peer-to-peer learning and highlighting the strides made in respiratory research across the continent.

6. Social and Cultural Activities

To balance the intense academic focus, participants enjoyed group activities, including team-building exercises and cultural exchanges.

Acknowledgments

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Cambridge Africa and the American Thoracic Society (ATS) for their generous support in funding this year’s course. Their contributions were instrumental in ensuring the success of PATS MECOR 2024.

Special thanks go to the faculty members and mentors for their dedication and to the PATS Secretariat for their meticulous planning. We also acknowledge the Chiesi Foundation, which will begin funding the program in 2025.

Looking Forward

PATS MECOR 2024 was not just an event; it was an experience that strengthened the respiratory research community in Africa. As we plan for MECOR 2025, we are excited to see how this year’s participants implement their learnings and drive impactful research in their respective regions.

For more information about PATS programs or to get involved, please contact us at faculty@panafricanthoracic.org.