The first year of a formal emergency medicine training programme in Papua New Guinea.

OBJECTIVE

To describe a programme catalyzing the development of emergency medicine in Papua New Guinea (PNG).

METHODS

Five emergency physicians rotated through a new position of Senior Lecturer in Emergency Medicine in the University of PNG during 2003. The position was established as a consequence of emergency physician input supported by AusAID in 2002.

RESULTS

Fifth (final)-year medical students and medical officers in the Emergency Department at Port Moresby General Hospital undertook formal and bedside problem based learning. The first trainees for a Master of Medicine in Emergency Medicine programme were inducted and supported. Emergency department management was provided with specialist input. Research projects were initiated, dealing with snakebite, chloroquine toxicity and HIV/AIDS. The first year of an emergency nursing curriculum was supported.

CONCLUSIONS

There is now considerable enthusiasm for the development of emergency medicine as the hospital generalists' specialty. Emergency nursing training has also made a start. Limitations on resources will require flexibility to sustain the project. Further support by emergency physicians will be needed.