Exchange Programme
Purpose
The Exchange Programme is a short-term rotational or observational placement allowing surgical trainees (especially in plastic surgery) to spend time at another accredited COSECSA training centre. The goal is to broaden their exposure, exchange skills, and strengthen regional networks.
Such exchanges help trainees gain experience in surgical techniques and approaches they might not otherwise see in their home institution, foster cross-center collaboration, and improve standardization of surgical practices across the region.
History and Recent Programme
The Smile Train Short-Term Exchange Programme (Cleft Care) and ReSurge International One Month Exchange programme are examples of such programmes: a total of 9 COSECSA FCS Plastic Surgery trainees are supported for a one‑month exchange within the region.
COSECSA periodically announces exchange programmes to enhance training and exposure for the methodologies used from other Training sites and envisions to expand to other specialties.
Structure
• Duration: 1 month (or short-term)
• Host: another COSECSA-accredited plastic surgery
• All expenses covered
• The trainee participates in clinical work, operations, case discussions, possibly teaching and day to day activities at the Hospital as prescribed by their host supervisor.
History & Partners
The Post Fellowship Curriculum in Cleft Care was developed by COSECSA in partnership with Smile Train and the West African College of Surgeons (WACS). The 9‑month version is one current format, and provisions exist for financial support (e.g. living subsidies, travel).
Through funding from Smile Train, COSECSA has committed to supporting multiple scholars, including an eight‑month post‑fellowship cleft surgery certification, over several years.
Outcomes and Benefits
• Exposure to surgical techniques and case mix not available at home center
• Networking, collaborative ties, shared learning
• Increased standardization of care and cross-institution benchmarking
• Growth in confidence, leadership potential, exposure to new systems