Kenya 2023

Pan African Thoracic Society Methods in Epidemiologic, Clinical and Operations Research (PATS MECOR) 2023

A Research Training Course for Health Professionals in Africa

The 2023 course was held in Sarova Whitesands Beach Resort & Spa, Mombasa, Kenya from 12-16 June 2023

PATS MECOR students from numerous African countries received training and assistance in research methodology, initiation of research projects and publication. Teaching sessions were very interactive with students encourage to actively engage with the material, their teachers and each other. 

Engaging Teaching Sessions

Throughout the course, students in Levels 1, 2, and 3 had the opportunity to work individually on their research projects, with faculty members readily available as mentors and guides. The teaching sessions were designed to encourage active participation, enabling students to apply their newfound knowledge effectively. This interactive approach fostered a vibrant learning environment where students could collaborate, exchange ideas, and learn from one another

Project Presentations:

Students were given the opportunity to present their research projects on the final day of the course. This platform allowed them to showcase the skills and knowledge they had acquired throughout the week. The presentations not only showcased their progress but also provided an opportunity and experience in communicating research findings.

Workshops and Mentorship Programs

In addition to the course, workshops and mentorship programs were conducted before and during the course to further enrich the learning experience. These workshops such as Spirometry and Air Quality Monitoring – AQM, CV Mentorship / clinic program providing students with additional tools and techniques to enhance their research capabilities.

Moreover, daily plenary sessions were held every morning addressing diverse subjects like journal publications, enriching the participants’ understanding of the research process.

Acknowledgments and Support:

Letter from a PATS MECOR Attendee: Shaping Lung Health Research in Africa

Read insights from a PATS MECOR visitor Corinna Alberg, Co-Programme Manager, Cambridge-Africa. She shares the impact of the course, the transition to African leadership, and exciting collaborations with Cambridge-Africa, all working to advance lung health research across the continent.

The success of the PATS MECOR program would not have been possible without the invaluable support from various organizations and generous individuals. The program is deeply grateful to The International Multidisciplinary Programme to Address Lung Health and TB in Africa (IMPALA), The American Thoracic Society (ATS), and the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine (LSTM)for their continued support. 

Additionally, the program extends its appreciation to an anonymous donor and The Aldama Foundation for their generous contributions. The tireless efforts of the dedicated faculty members deserve special mention as they play a pivotal role in sharing their knowledge, mentoring, and guiding the students towards a brighter research future on the African continent.