Are you a healthcare professional seeking an immersive experience to advance your skills in a globally recognized medical environment? The Operating Room Global (TORG) in collaboration with King Faisal Hospital, Rwanda (KFHR), is excited to announce the TORG+KFHR Clinical Observership Program 2025. This program is designed for theatre nurses, anesthesiologists, surgeons, perfusionists, and surgical technologists who are ready to expand their expertise and engage in hands-on learning in Rwanda’s leading healthcare facility.
Program Overview
The TORG+KFHR Clinical Observership Program offers a unique opportunity for professionals to gain exposure to state-of-the-art surgical practices, cutting-edge medical technology, and diverse patient care strategies. This annual program runs for three months.
Observership Details
Cohort 1 Dates: March 3rd, 2025 – May 30th, 2025 (Mondays to Fridays, 8am-6pm daily)
Participants: Theatre nurses, anesthesiologists, surgeons, perfusionists, and surgical technologists
Location: King Faisal Hospital, Rwanda (KFHR)
Application Deadline: October 31st, 2024
Interviews: Held as soon as possible after the closing date. Candidates will typically receive one week’s notice of the interview, though the timescale may be reduced in exceptional circumstances.
Program Start Date: March 3rd, 2025
Number of Participants: Up to 10 professionals. Internationals are welcome to apply.
Program Structure
Month 1 – Observership: Participants will observe surgeries and clinical procedures, familiarizing themselves with Rwanda’s healthcare protocols and best practices.
Month 2 and 3 – Practical Training: Following licensure, participants will engage in direct patient care, hands-on clinical practice, and involvement in surgical procedures.
Licensure: Support will be provided for obtaining a Rwandan practice license within the first month, enabling participants to engage in clinical care and surgical procedures.
Extended Placements: There is potential for extended placements at KFHR or other partner institutions, offering additional professional growth opportunities.
Teaching Opportunities: Participants may teach or mentor local healthcare professionals, contributing to the local healthcare community.
Who is Eligible?
Participants must meet the following eligibility criteria:
Language Requirements
Proficiency in English: All participants must demonstrate a high level of English proficiency. This can be evidenced by:
- Completion of a degree in an operating theatre related profession or equivalent qualification in English.
- Proof of prior clinical experience in an English-speaking environment.
Immigration Status for Undertaking a Clinical Observership
- Participants are responsible for securing the appropriate visa to enter Rwanda for the observership.
- KFHR will provide necessary documentation to support visa applications if necessary.
- Participants must ensure compliance with Rwandan immigration laws.
Professional Registration Status
- Participants must hold a valid license to practice as a Theatre Nurse, Anesthesiologist, Surgeon, Perfusionist or Surgical Technologist in their home country.
- They must have at least two years of active involvement in the Operating Theatre environment within the last five years.
- Proof of current registration with the relevant professional body must be provided.
Post-Interview Requirements
After a successful interview, the following documents are required:
- Police Clearance Certificate
- Two References
- Medical Fitness Certificate and Vaccination Records
- Proof of Financial Support: This must show evidence of visa fee as well as feeding support in Rwanda for at least 3 months.
- Evidence of round-trip flight booking to and from Rwanda.
Benefits for Participants
- Professional Development: Gain exposure to global best practices in surgery, anesthesia, and patient care.
- Licensure: Obtain a Rwandan practice license, opening new career opportunities.
- Networking: Build valuable professional connections with healthcare leaders and peers.
- Stipend & Potential Employment: After the observership, participants may be eligible for permanent employment opportunities at KFHR or other partner institutions in Rwanda.
- Certification: Receive a TORG+KFHR completion certificate, verifying your enhanced skills and expertise.
Cost Implications for Participants
Visa and Travel Expenses: Participants are responsible for covering the cost of their visas, flights, and transportation to and from Rwanda.
Personal Expenses: Participants are responsible for all personal expenses, including meals, local transportation, and any other incidental costs incurred during the observership.
Process
Application:
- Interested candidates must submit a completed TORG+KFHR Clinical Observership Application Form. A link to download this form is at the end of this page.
Screening and Selection:
- TORG and KFHR will screen applications to ensure they meet eligibility criteria.
- Selected candidates will be invited for an interview to discuss their experience and expectations.
- Eligible and selected candidates will be reviewed by both TORG and KFHR for final approval.
Conditional Offer:
- Successful candidates will receive a TORG+KFHR conditional offer, subject to two satisfactory references, police clearance, and a certificate of medical fitness.
- Successful candidates will be required to sign the TORG+KFHR Clinical Observership Agreement to confirm participation.
- Successful candidates will receive an Invitation Letter from KFHR for visa application purposes if required.
During the Placement
Duties and Responsibilities
- Observers are responsible for their learning, with the support of the Supervising Consultant.
- They must adhere to all hospital policies, including those related to safety, confidentiality, and professional conduct.
- Observers are expected to attend all scheduled activities, including meetings, ward rounds, and educational sessions.
Identification
- Observers will be issued an identity badge by KFHR, which must be worn at all times within the hospital premises.
- The badge will clearly identify the individual as “TORG+KFHR Operating Theatre Clinical Observer.”
Staff Facilities Available to Observers
- Observers will have access to relevant staff facilities, such as canteens, car parking, and lounges, in line with hospital policies.
- While the program is unpaid within the first month, local considerations may include additional support, such as canteen vouchers, at the discretion of KFHR if available.
- KFHR Expansion: As part of King Faisal Hospital’s new venture into the Africa Health Sciences University (AHSU), this program enhances visibility and educational leadership across the continent.
Data Protection and Confidentiality
- Observers must respect patient confidentiality at all times.
- They are required to comply with KFHR’s data protection policies and any other relevant legislation.
Application Calendar for TORG+KFHR Clinical Observership Program:
- Application Opens: Monday, October 9, 2024
- Application Closes: Thursday, October 31, 2024 at 23:59 Central Africa Time (CAT)
- Applicant Interviews: As soon as possible after the closing date (minimum one week’s notice)
- Final Decision: To be communicated after interviews
- Cohort 1 Program Dates: March 3, 2025 – May 30, 2025
Application Deadline: If you have filled the interest form previously and received the Application Form by email, submit your completed application form and supporting documentations before or by October 31st, 2024 to observership@operatingroomissues.org
Contact Information: For further inquiries, please email us at observership@operatingroomissues.org
Call to Action: Don’t miss this opportunity to elevate your clinical skills and gain international experience in the heart of Africa. Apply now and become part of a transformative healthcare program.