Our collaboration with the University of Puthisastra (UP) and Rotary International in Dysphagia Management education for Cambodian medical professionals has reached the midpoint of its second year.
We are happy to report that the 13 Cambodian doctors, nurses, and physical therapists who completed their rigorous one-year training last September are now applying their dysphagia management skills at their respective hospitals and clinics in Phnom Penh.
These UP-certified dysphagia clinicians are leading efforts in their workplaces to evaluate and treat patients with swallowing problems and to educate family members and caregivers in the safe management of individuals with dysphagia.
Building a Sustainable Future Through Training and Mentorship
The current cohort of 10 healthcare professionals now enrolled in Year Two of the UP program have completed their intensive 3-month series of academic lectures and hands-on workshops.
The current trainees are now evaluating and treating patients in their respective hospitals and clinics under the supervision of experienced volunteer SLPs funded by Rotary International. As part of this process, our Year One graduates are offering observation sessions to these new trainees at their hospitals.
In addition, four outstanding clinicians from Year One are participating in an innovative Mentorship Program under the supervision of Rotary Volunteer SLPs. Graduates of the program will be prepared to supervise and support new trainees from the UP course.
Over time, this “train the trainer” approach will enable Cambodian clinicians to assume the dysphagia training and supervision responsibilities currently provided by international SLPs.
Ms. Chhoeung Siyin, a student in the second year of the certificate program, says the training is already making a positive impact in her work.
“Receiving training in adult dysphagia management is very important because it helps patients to regain the ability to swallow and significantly avoid other risks caused by dysphagia,” says Ms. Siyin, a physiotherapist at Calmette Hospital in Phnom Penh.