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Dr. Lorraine Woolford teaches surgical knot tying.

CNIS Obstetrical Associate Dr. Lorraine Woolford taught two Structured Operative Obstetrics Instructors and Providers Courses in Uganda this summer. This was Dr. Woolford’s second trip to Africa this year, as she also taught the course in Africa earlier this spring. As all CNIS volunteer instructors, she brought two large bags with teaching equipment, simulators, models and manuals for the courses.

The SOO Providers Course was held in Kampala in late June.  There were 11 interns in attendance.  The local director was Dr. Mike Kagawa, Lecturer in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology (O&G).  Dr. Kagawa participated as an instructor; the other two instructors were Dr. Judith Ajeani, Lecturer (Hon), and Dr. Andabati Gonzanga, Lecturer.  Dr. Gonzanga has had experience as an instructor in the obstetrical portion of ESS.

A Providers Course for “Structured Operative Obstetrics” was held for the first time in Mbarara, Uganda in July. There were 11 interns in attendance; as well a visiting McMaster University medical student participated in the course.  The interns included those currently doing their Obstetrics and Gynecology (O&G) rotation, but also those from Medicine and Surgery.

The instructors were Dr. George Wasswa Ssalongo, Senior Consultant in the Department of O&G, and the local course director; Dr. Joseph Ngonzi,Lecturer in the Department of O&G; Dr. Moses Kayondo, Assistant Lecturer; and Dr. Ivan Bonet Fonseca, the new Chief of Department. The course was conducted in the Surgical Skills Lab, previously outfitted by the CNIS, at the university hospital in Mbarara.

The feedback from the students were all positive, only wishing the course was longer! “I wish all interns regardless of where they are rotating (in medicine, pediatrics and surgery) could get the opportunity to acquire such skills.”

Dr. Ronald Lett has been President of CNIS since its inception in 1995, in which time the organization has grown substantially due to the hard work of Ron, board members, volunteers and staff.  In 2007 Ron decided to move to Ethiopia to be closer to the work at hand. The programs in Africa are progressing well due to this decision, but the organization needed leadership here in Canada.

Phil Hassen at Injury Control Centre - Uganda Strategic Meeting

As a result, the CNIS Board asked Phil Hassen to serve as the President effective 1 April 2010. Ron will continue as the International Director, implementation of our programs in Africa.

Phil Hassen’s credentials as a seasoned senior health administrator is well known in Canada. He has recently left the position of Chief Executive Officer of the Canadian Patient Safety Institute (2004 to March 2010), after a distinguished career in health service management and policy. He is presently President of the International Society of Quality and Safety and Board member of the Canadian Arthritis Network. Phil was board member of CNIS for ten years and volunteer vice-president for the last 2 years. He served as Deputy Minister, Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care (2002-2004). Prior to this position, Philip served as President and CEO, Vancouver Coastal Health Authority (2000-2002), and has held the position of President and CEO of Providence Health Care in Vancouver (1997-2000); President of St. Joseph’s Health Centre in London, Ontario (1988-1997); and Chief Operating Officer and Senior Vice President of the Toronto Hospital’s Toronto Western Division (1986-1988).  In Calgary, he was the Executive Vice-President of the Foothills Provincial General Hospital (1978-1987). Western Division (1986-1988).

Phil is an Adjunct Professor at the School of Public Health, University of Alberta and the Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia.  He is a Fellow of the Canadian College of Health Services Executives and holds a B.Sc. (Honours) in Unified Science from Wayne State University and a Masters of Public Health Administration from the University of Michigan.  He is also a member of Mensa.  Philip authored Rx for Hospital: New Hope for Medicare in the Nineties as well as numerous articles on Quality and Safety in health care.

“I look forward to the opportunity to lead CNIS dedicated team of staff and volunteers who have made the progress to date possible.  I am most excited to have been given this opportunity and profoundly believe in the work of CNIS.”

Phil will work with CNIS on a half time basis. If you have any questions for him, you may reach him through our CNIS office (604-739-4708) or e-mail PHassen@cnis.ca.