ESPE Liaison Officer for the Paediatric Endocrine Training Centres for Africa (PETCAS) Vacancy – deadline 30 June 2013

The Educational and Training Committee of ESPE is looking for an ESPE member who would be interested in undertaking the role of ESPE Liaison for the Paediatric Endocrine Training Centres for Africa (PETCAs) in Nairobi and Lagos from 2014 when the current Officer retires from this role. This 3-year post may be extended for a further 3 years with permission from the ESPE Educational and Training Committee.

The PETCA programme has been funded by a grant from the World Diabetes Foundation (WDF) since 2008. The PETCA was initially based at Gertrude Children’s Hospital in Nairobi with a second PETCA for West Africa being established last year in Lagos. Trainees from throughout sub-Saharan Africa attend for a 6 month period of clinical training using out-patient clinics, followed by a 6 month period back in their home base during which they undertake a clinical research project. Thereafter, the trainee returns to the PETCA for a 3 month refresher course with an exam at the end. The programme has been supported by many members of ESPE, PES and ISPAD who have spent initially 1 month but latterly 2 weeks in alternate months as tutor in residence. Paediatric endocrine centres have subsequently been established in Botswana, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Sudan and Tanzania and the African Society for Paediatric and Adolescent Endocrinology has been launched.

The role requires liaison with the equivalent officer representing ISPAD and involves recruiting and coordinating ESPE members (along with those from ISPAD) to act as visiting tutors to the PETCA, assisting with the examinations, liaison and advice to our colleagues running the PETCAs in Africa, including scoping of future grant applications to ensure continued funding.

Interested applicants should write to the ESPE Secretariat by the deadline of 30 June 2013, attaching their CV and specifying their relevant interests and expertise. They are welcome to contact John Gregory for further information about the role.