Training in plastic surgery is being set up in The Gambia

Editor—With the demise of the overseas training scheme in plastic surgery¹ and the implications of Calmanisation for training in general for visiting surgeons,² alternative strategies for meeting the training requirements of surgeons from the developing world need to be considered. Training in the developing world may be the way forward.³ Although considerable difficulties in terms of logistics, personnel, and working conditions can be expected, such schemes are feasible and can be tailored to local requirements.

A pilot scheme involving The Gambia and plastic surgeons from the United Kingdom is being developed and may form the basis for a more structured training programme for west Africa (I F Starley et al, summer meeting of British Association of Plastic Surgeons, 4 July 1997). There are several advantages to developing a training programme for surgeons in The Gambia. The country is easily accessible and has good telecommunications links. Politically it is stable and is keen to develop such a scheme. The medical infrastructure is based at the Royal Victoria Hospital, Banjul, and, though limited, has the potential for development. Key medical and nursing staff have been identified with a view to developing such a training scheme.

The potential advantage of such a scheme is not limited to The Gambia. In view of the country’s geographic location in west Africa, it can provide a basis for a more comprehensive training programme for all surgeons and nurses in the region.