ISN Spotlight on Educational Ambassador Ibi Erekosima
Leading the ISN Sister Renal Center program between Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust and University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, ISN Educational Ambassador Ibi Erekosima shares his views on the value of working together to improve nephrology care.
Dr Erekosima joined the ISN Programs’to work with local leaders, regional and national societies in poor countries and underprivileged communities to give better renal care.’
He wanted to promote the prevention of chronic kidney disease and acute kidney injury, build capacity and establish sustainable dialysis programs. ‘It is an exciting experience to be involved in building capacity and expertise to improve renal care in underprivileged communities. I recommend my colleagues in developed countries to join in this valuable ISN program to make a difference.’
Dr Erekosima explains: ‘The ISN Educational Ambassadors program has been invaluable to reach colleagues and patients in less economically-developed countries. It has helped to train young nephrologists and other support staff in the clinical use of current and new treatment methods to manage chronic kidney disease. I was able to share the results of international studies, clinical trials and recommendations to improve their practice.
He believes the Program has enabled him to improve the capability of local medical communities in bringing quality renal care to patients: ‘My hope is that by working in partnership with my colleagues in emerging countries, they will continue learning by working remotely through guidance as they decide on the optimal treatment following a particular diagnosis.’
Most importantly, he reveals that the Program has shown how partnerships are helping renal centres in low-and-middle income countries develop services or training courses in specific areas of nephrology to improve knowledge and expertise.
Recently, Dr Erekosima hosted the first international nephrology web conference at a renal center in Port Harcourt, Southern Nigeria, working alongside the UK’s Salford Royal Hospital.The conference was aimed at promoting best practices in renal care through global partnership. It provided a cutting-edge update on clinical nephrology. This is a shift from the traditional method of hosting an onsite nephrology conference in that part of the country.
Read more about the first international web conference organized through this partnership, HERE.
