Dr. Ollivier Ivon RAKOTONIAINA, a Malagasy physician with the Ambohibao SALFA Health Center in Antananarivo, flew to Tanzania (via Nairobi) the end of September 2007 to pursue a four year Master of Medicine in Urology course at KCMC or Kalamazoo Christian Medical Center.,/p>

After a short orientation period for new students, Dr. Ivon became immersed in his studies. It wasn’t long before the professors at KCMC became aware that a two year course for Master of Science in Urology would be more appropriate as Dr. Ivon already has many surgical skills in urology.

From 26 -30 November 2007, Dr. Ivon had the opportunity at attend a Urethral Strictures and Pediatric Urology Surgery workshop being held at the Institute of Urology at KCMC, Moshi, Tanzania.

On an everyday basis, Dr. Ivon begins work/studies at 7:30 in the morning, at which time they visit the in-patients on “grand rounds”, discussing each patient with the six urology students. After morning rounds, the students are divided into two groups. Three of the students assist with major surgery in urology while the remaining three have the following schedule:

• Tuesday/Friday: patient consultations
• Wednesday: transrectale ultrasounds and minor surgeries
• Monday: minor surgeries

  Unfortunately, the camera is not functioning for the TURP surgical procedures. That means it is necessary for the surgeon performing TURPS to work alone and is forced to practice the “old” method of bending over during this procedure.

  Two items which would be most beneficial for Dr. Ivon during his MSc in Urology program would be appropriate textbooks and/or CD’s which are sadly lacking.

  If anyone would wish to correspond with Dr. Ivon about this, his email address is: ollivierivon@hotmail.com.

  Thank you also for your prayers.