WATOG Africa Inter-Country Exchange Programme
Advancing Specialist Training Through Continental Collaboration
The WATOG Africa Inter-Country Exchange Programme is designed to foster cross-border learning, strengthen clinical capacity and facilitate professional collaboration among Obstetrics and Gynaecology trainees across Africa.
Proposed Inaugural Exchange | May 2028 | 1–2 Weeks
The WATOG Africa Inter-Country Exchange Programme is designed to foster cross-border learning, strengthen clinical capacity and facilitate professional collaboration among Obstetrics and Gynaecology trainees across Africa.
Through structured clinical observerships and subspecialty-focused learning experiences, the programme connects trainees with host institutions, experienced specialists and diverse healthcare systems.
The programme aims to create opportunities for trainees to:
- Exchange clinical knowledge and experience
- Observe different approaches to patient care
- Gain exposure to subspecialty services
- Learn from experienced specialists
- Understand different healthcare systems and clinical environments
- Build professional relationships across African countries
- Strengthen clinical capacity within their home institutions
- Contribute to improved women’s healthcare across the continent
Hosting Countries & Subspecialty Focus
🇰🇪 Kenya
Maternal-Fetal Medicine
Gynaecological Oncology
Kenya will provide opportunities for trainees to gain exposure to specialist services in maternal-fetal medicine and gynaecological oncology.
🇿🇦 South Africa
Urogynaecology
Gynaecological Oncology
South Africa will provide opportunities for focused learning in urogynaecology and gynaecological oncology.
🇪🇬 Egypt
Minimally Invasive Surgery
Maternal-Fetal Medicine
Egypt will provide opportunities for trainees interested in minimally invasive surgical approaches and maternal-fetal medicine.
🇪🇹 Ethiopia
Fistula Surgery
Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility
Ethiopia will provide opportunities for focused learning in fistula surgery and reproductive endocrinology and infertility.
Proposed Exchange Format
The inaugural exchange is proposed for May 2028, with participating trainees undertaking a 1–2-week structured learning experience in their selected host country and subspecialty.
The final programme structure, participating institutions, available placements and exchange arrangements will be confirmed following completion of the programme development and institutional approval process.
Phase 1: Eligibility & Selection Criteria
The WATOG Africa Inter-Country Exchange Programme seeks motivated trainees who demonstrate academic excellence, professional integrity and a commitment to advancing women’s health within their communities.
1. WATOG Affiliation
Applicants must be officially registered with and actively engaged in WATOG Africa and the global WATOG network.
2. Professional Status
Applicants must currently be enrolled as an Obstetrics and Gynaecology registrar or trainee in an accredited postgraduate training programme and demonstrate an interest in the selected subspecialty.
3. Examination Commitment
Applicants must not be scheduled to sit major specialty exit or board examinations within six months of the exchange period.
4. Professional Standing
Applicants should demonstrate academic and clinical performance, supported by an official institutional recommendation or letter from the Head of Department.
5. Professional Integrity
Applicants must have no active or pending disciplinary proceedings or professional misconduct investigations.
Phase 2: Administrative & Logistical Requirements
Passport Validity
Applicants must hold a valid international passport with a minimum of six months’ validity beyond the conclusion of the exchange.
Institutional Approval
Applicants must obtain formal written approval from their employing institution or training coordinator, including confirmation of leave arrangements and clinical service coverage.
Phase 3: Recommendations & Research Engagement
Subspecialty Mentorship
Applicants should provide a strong recommendation from a mentor or specialist working within their area of interest.
Research Engagement
Demonstrated involvement in research, an ongoing research project, or a published or unpublished case report will be considered an added advantage.
Phase 4: Post-Exchange Accountability
All programme beneficiaries will be expected to contribute to knowledge sharing and demonstrate how their exchange experience benefits their home training environment.
Participants will be required to:
1. Submit a Reflective Report
Submit a formal reflective report documenting their learning experience, key clinical insights and professional development during the exchange.
2. Conduct a Knowledge-Sharing Session
Conduct a knowledge-sharing session within their home institution or country, such as:
- A journal club presentation
- Departmental teaching session
- Grand rounds presentation
- Professional forum
- Trainee educational session
3. Support Local Capacity Building
Contribute to the dissemination of knowledge and strengthen the value of the exchange within their local training environment.
Our Commitment
Building Clinical Capacity. Connecting African Trainees. Advancing the Future of Women’s Health.
WATOG Africa believes that the future of women’s health depends on a connected, collaborative and well-supported generation of African Obstetricians and Gynaecologists.
Our affiliations, partnerships and sponsorships enable us to build bridges between trainees, specialists, professional societies, academic institutions, healthcare organisations and partners across Africa and beyond.
Together, we are creating opportunities for learning, leadership, research, collaboration and professional growth.
Building Leaders.
Connecting African Nations.
Transforming Women’s Health.
A Growing Continental Network
WATOG Africa welcomes collaboration with professional societies, training institutions, academic organisations, healthcare organisations, industry partners and sponsors that share our commitment to advancing Obstetrics and Gynaecology and women’s health across Africa.
Interested in partnering with WATOG Africa?
We welcome opportunities for strategic collaboration in:
- Education and training
- Scientific events
- Research
- Clinical exchanges
- Fellowships and scholarships
- Leadership development
- Digital health and innovation
- Professional development
- Women’s health initiatives
- Sponsorship and programme support
Together, we can build stronger institutions, empower African trainees and advance women’s health across the continent.
- Programme Disclaimer The WATOG Africa Inter-Country Exchange Programme, including participating host countries, institutions, subspecialty placements, eligibility requirements and selection criteria, is subject to final approval and may be refined before the inaugural launch in May 2028.