A projected 810 women die each day worldwide from preventable pregnancy- and childbirth-related causes. When a woman dies or becomes disabled from pregnancy or childbirth, the consequences can have a long-lasting, devastating impact on the family. Working towards improved mother and infant healthcare is of vital importance around the world, and the Department of Pediatrics at the Vagelos College of Physicians & Surgeons of Columbia University is committed to excellence in clinical medicine, education, research, and global health. Columbia University’s focus on pediatric medicine dates back to the 1700s, and the institution is among one of the finest children’s hospitals in the USA today. The OMI is honored to have Columbia University as an academic partner, providing fellows around the world top notch educational seminars.
The OMI MEX Columbia University Seminar in Maternal and Infant Health took place from November 27 to 29, 2023, in Oaxaca, Mexico. Long time OMI faculty member, Dr. Richard A. Polin, Professor of Pediatrics at Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, served as the course director, marking his 27th participation in an OMI seminar and first time leading an OMI MEX seminar. His expert faculty members included Dr. Kathleen G. Brennan, Dr. George R. Saade, and Dr. Ronald Wapner.
The faculty formed an engaging schedule for the 46 healthcare providers who attended the course, including 12 lectures that highlighted An Evidence-Based Approach to Early Onset Sepsis, Fetal Growth Restriction, Strategies for Sharing Difficult News, Healthcare-Associated Infections, How to Talk So Your Students and Residents Will Listen, Pregnancy as a Window to Future Health, and more. In addition, two case presentation sessions took place, in which fellows could present scenarios from their personal work experience and receive feedback, tips, and next steps from the faculty members. What a phenomenal opportunity!
Richard A. Polin, MD
Course Director
The OMI MEX Maternal and Infant Health seminar had almost 50 participants who represented a very diverse group of physicians, including general and family practitioners, gynecologists, and pediatricians. The discussion after each lecture was lively from the very beginning. Overall, it was a very successful seminar.
