Makerere University – Yale University Rheumatology CPD Series

A team of rheumatologists from Makerere University College of Health Sciences (MakCHS), Nsambya Hospital and Yale University are organising a weekly rheumatology lecture series for medical doctors and physicians.

About the series This Continuing Professional Development (CPD) series is designed to build clinical capacity in rheumatology among practising doctors and physicians in Uganda. The lectures are delivered weekly by a team of experienced rheumatologists drawn from leading academic and clinical institutions in Uganda and the United States, covering a range of rheumatological conditions, their diagnosis and management. Topics are expected to span common and challenging presentations in adult and paediatric rheumatology, including the recognition, investigation and treatment of inflammatory joint and connective tissue diseases in the local setting.

Why attend Rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases are a significant and often under-diagnosed cause of disability, yet specialist rheumatology services remain limited in many parts of sub-Saharan Africa. This series provides a practical opportunity for general physicians, internal medicine specialists and trainees to update their knowledge, sharpen their clinical reasoning and learn from experts with both international and local experience. The collaboration between Makerere University, Nsambya Hospital and Yale University reflects a commitment to strengthening rheumatology training and clinical care in Uganda.

Schedule The lecture series starts on Friday 12th April 2024 at 7:00 pm East Africa Time (EAT) and runs weekly thereafter. The evening timing is designed to accommodate practising clinicians.

CME credit CME credit points will be awarded to participants, supporting ongoing professional development and continuing education requirements for medical practitioners.

Who should attend The series is intended for medical doctors and physicians with an interest in rheumatology and musculoskeletal medicine, including general physicians, internal medicine specialists, rheumatology trainees and other practising clinicians who care for patients with rheumatic diseases. The content is pitched to support busy clinicians in recognising rheumatic disease early, selecting appropriate investigations and referring or managing patients effectively within the Ugandan health system.

Format and commitment Each session is delivered as a focused lecture by an expert speaker, followed by discussion in which participants can raise clinical questions from their own practice. Participants are encouraged to attend on a weekly basis to build on each session and to maximise the CME credit points they accumulate. The series is part of a growing partnership between Ugandan and international institutions to expand rheumatology expertise and services in the region.

How to join Interested practitioners should join the weekly lecture sessions according to the schedule. Details on how to access the sessions are shared with participants. Attendees are encouraged to participate regularly across the series in order to earn CME credit points.