Emergency Medicine- Mbarara University

Congratulations to the newest Emergency Physicians on the block! 🥳🥳

Congratulations to Dr. Elias Kumbakumba on his election as Dean, Faculty of Health Sciences at @MbararaUST.

It’s Official, Uganda’s First Emergency Medicine Podcast Goes Live! No more waiting, the launch is here! This Friday, March 6th, all grounds are set and we’re going live with “CASE FILES: CPC Edition”, the only Ugandan and East African‑based Emergency Medicine Podcast.

From Guild President to Deputy Vice Chancellor Earlier today, Prof. Joseph Ngonzi officially assumed office as DVC (Academic Affairs) at @MbararaUST. A full-circle moment for a leader whose journey at MUST spans student leadership, faculty service, and institutional governance.

Congratulations to Prof. Joseph Ngonzi on his appointment as Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs) at @MbararaUST. We wish him success as he leads MUST’s academic agenda at this important time of transformation.

Prof. Joseph Ngonzi opened his presentation by reflecting on MUST’s 36-year journey, from a one-Faculty university with 45 students and five staff to a six-Faculty institution with over 6,500 students, nearly 600 staff, 90+ academic programs, and a national ranking of 3rd (Webometrics & AD Scientific Index). He positioned his candidacy as building on this legacy to consolidate academic excellence and institutional growth. #DVCAA

The official equipment handover from the @ERC_resus is more than just a donation. It's the beginning of a long-term partnership and the strengthening of a relationship. This collaboration with the AAPU and @MbararaUST is set to revolutionize the entire health sector by connecting training centers, universities, and professional organizations to achieve a stronger collective impact.

Following the generous donation of new @ERC_resus training equipment, a session on Equipment Care and Maintenance was conducted. This ensures that the new Advanced Life Support (ALS) dolls and Laerdal Resusci Anne QCPR manikins remain functional for high-quality, long-term resuscitation training in Western Uganda.

Dr. Ssebutinde Peter, the DHO-Mbarara, praised the @MbararaUST 's expansion but stressed the need to improve the system in tandem with the training. The DHO confirmed that the national structure is being revised to include the position of an Emergency Physician (EP) at the General Hospital level, ensuring trained graduates will have a designated place to work, demonstrating a commitment to implementing the training.

The Question and Answer Session at the @ERC_resus training material handover focused intensely on expanding resuscitation knowledge beyond healthcare professionals to the general public, a concern raised by a fifth-year medical student named Martin. Local partners confirmed that the concept of a Community First Responder is part of Uganda's policy. The strategy involves encouraging the spread of life-saving skills in secondary schools and piloting programs for key community groups like boda-boda riders through initiatives like the "Mama Namu" program.

Dr. Prisca Kizito, the Head of the Department of Emergency Medicine, a Lecturer and Director of the Advanced Life Support course, officially welcomed the guests. She noted that the establishment of this second training hub was crucial for building capacity in emergency and resuscitation care and would significantly reduce the distance and cost for healthcare professionals in Western Uganda to access the vital ERC life support courses. The newly certified trainees were recognized, with a notable mention that no one got a retake (failure).

SR. Charity, the Senior Principal Nursing Officer for @MbararaHospital , shared compelling examples of lives saved in the Emergency Department since the nursing staff received ERC training (ALS, BLS, PALS, etc.). She noted that nurses who previously froze during cardiac arrests are now able to initiate chest compressions and coordinate patient transfer to the ICU. She also noted that the training had reduced the need for nurses to travel long distances, like to Kampala, for certification.

Dr. Andrew recounted a personal story from the 2005 ambulance accident to highlight the difference between a simple ambulance ride and coordinated Emergency Medical Services (EMS), noting that the COVID-19 response helped gain political will for pre-hospital care in Uganda. He also stated that the hope is to expand training hubs across the country to fully implement the standardized ERC/UNRC resuscitation guidelines.

Earlier today, the European Resuscitation Council officially handed over vital resuscitation training material to the Emergency Medicine department at @MbararaUST. The generous donation of resuscitation materials including Laerdal Resusci Anne QCPR manikins and 'Mini Anne' manikins. This equipment is essential for maintaining high-quality, hands-on ERC courses in Western Uganda.

The ERC is proud to support @AAPU_Uganda and hopes this partnership will contribute to a broader network across the region. Mazarine Thyssens noted that the collaboration will connect training centers, universities, and professional organizations. Thyssens concluded with the powerful statement: "The more we collaborate across borders, the stronger our collective impact becomes".

While at the resuscitation training material handover, Dr. Jonan Tusiimire, the Deputy Dean of the FoM, acknowledged @MbararaUST 's pivotal role in producing a significant number of Emergency Physicians (EPs). He shared a personal anecdote about his grandmother's successful resuscitation at an emergency department, underscoring the value of skilled emergency teams.

Dr, Jonans stressed the importance of adopting the @ERC_resus standards to scale up the skills of professionals and encouraged the newly certified trainees to become instructors and course directors to cascade the training across the region. He further stated that the best way to scale up the skills of professionals (like the trainees present) is to adopt the ERC standards and become instructors and course directors to cascade the training.

Dr. Ssekitoleko Andrew, Chair of the Uganda National Resuscitation Committee (UNRC), reinforced the importance of the partnership while at the handover of the resuscitation training material from @ERC_resus. He stated that the UNRC chose the ERC to be its mentor to standardize resuscitation practices in Uganda and ensure the training is appropriate for the Ugandan context. Uganda is now recognized as the fifth member of the ERC’s low and middle-income country committee.

Today is the day!!! See you then!

Join us for this month’s Grand Round led by Dr. Tracy, on 11th November from 2:00PM. To join virtually follow this link must.ac.ug/event/topic-ho… #EmergencyMedicine #Ultrasound