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organised by

the Geneva Foundation for Medical Education and Research
(WHO Collaborating Centre in Education and Research in Human Reproduction),
and
the UNDP/UNFPA/WHO/World Bank Special Programme for Research, Development and Research Training in Human Reproduction, Department of Reproductive Health and Research; Family and Community Health Cluster (WHO/RHR)
in collaboration with
the San Raffaele del Monte Tabor Foundation

From Bedside to Bench: Translational medicine course for the basic scientist. Module on Female Reproductive Health

Vision:  promoting the synergy (and cross fertilization) of science and medicine to improve global health

Rationale and Objectives:  With the accelerating rate of discovery in clinical and basic biochemical sciences, there is a widening gap in communication between the well-trained clinician and the accomplished basic biomedical scientist.  The majority of clinicians who in their training have had a good grounding in basic science are nonetheless severely challenged to be keep abreast of new basic science advances with potential relevance to therapeutics. Furthermore, the majority of basic biomedical scientists are not able to appreciate the key areas of unmet clinical need and the ‘language’ of clinical medicine. Such an understanding is vital to direct their research better and appreciate the opportunities for moving new discoveries rapidly into the clinic. In order to promote the future of diagnostic and therapeutics it is essential to improve the synergy between clinicians and their basic science colleagues. Many scientists encounter this communication break daily, and in times when translational medicine is recognized as a major world challenge, improved understanding and communication is needed.  It is therefore the objective of this course to educate basic scientists in selected areas of clinical science (Module 1: female reproductive health) to improve their understanding of clinical and global health problems.  By doing so it should allow them to communicate and work more effectively with their clinical colleagues thus enhancing the opportunities to develop drugs and biomarkers in the areas that they are most needed. 

Course Structure:  The course paradigm will follow the ‘Problem-based or Case-based’ learning approach that has proved successful in many medical curricula in Europe and North America.  It will employ a series of Clinical Case-based problems in selected areas of pathophysiology relevant for female reproductive health.  The course will consist of two main components: (1) a series of preparatory internet-based didactic case and medical overview presentations by internationally recognized experts and (2) an intensive 1 week workshop involving personal interactions between the attendee basic scientists, clinicians and WHO specialists.  The course outline, content, and expected levels of competence upon completion will be accessible on Internet after registration. 

Who should attend:  Basic science PhDs, MScs, MBAs, or their equivalents who do not have prior medical training but who are in positions in academia, industry, government, or other comparable organizations where knowledge of medical pathophysiology will improve their ability to work synergistically with clinician-scientists in the areas of diagnosis and therapeutics. 

Course Attendee Evaluation:  As in any academic endeavor, course attendees will be expected to demonstrate competence at the end of the course, based on an evaluation instrument including an Internet-based knowledge assessment and a final written proposal in the area of Female Reproductive Health.  The performance of each attendee will be evaluated by an examination committee selected by the steering committee.  

Course Organisation

The course is organized by the Geneva Foundation for Medical Education and Research and the WHO Department of Reproductive Health and Research.

Steering committee

Chair: Irmgard Irminger-Finger, PhD, Geneva

Members:

• Prof. Morley D Hollenberg, D. Phil., MD, FRSC, Calgary
• Prof. Shazib Pervaiz, MD PhD, Singapore
• Prof. Aldo Campana, MD, Geneva
• Mario Merialdi, MD, WHO
• Regina Kulier, MD, Geneva
• Daniel Christiaen, PhD, Geneva
• Prof. Geoff J Laurent, PhD MRCP (Hon), FRCPath, FMedSci, London
• Giovanna Stancanelli, MD, Geneva/Milan

Tutors:

• Attendees will be followed by trainers/tutors during the Internet-based and the on-site course in Geneva. 

From Bedside to Bench

Translational medicine for the basic scientist - Module: Female Reproductive health

Topics to cover Online (1 September 2008 – 22 October 2008):

• Anatomy and physiology of the female reproductive system
• Cytology and histology of female reproductive system
• Pregnancy and childbirth
• Pregnancy-associated pathologies
• Female genital tract infections
• Gynecological cancers

On site Content (Geneva 27-31 October 2008):

• Presentations on selected clinical and public health topics
• Interactions and seeking collaborations with WHO
• Development and presentation of a collaborative translational project

Course certificate

After compulsory course attendance and having passed the exams, the participant will obtain a certificate delivered by the organizing institutions.

Costs

The Course fees are CHF 1'500.- per participant

Contact

For further information contact irmgard.irminger@gfmer.org

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Edited by Giovanna Stancanelli and Aldo Campana,