Moi University School of Medicine has strengthened its international collaboration efforts following high-level engagements with Duke University in the United States aimed at expanding clinical training, advancing health research and promoting innovation in healthcare.
The discussions, led by Moi University School of Medicine Dean Dr Julia Songok, took place at Duke University in North Carolina and focused on strengthening global health partnerships, pediatric clinical training, and joint research initiatives between the two institutions.
In one key meeting, the Moi University delegation met with Prof. Mary E. Klotman, Dean of the Duke University School of Medicine. The discussions brought together leading global health experts and academic leaders, including Prof. Phil Cotton, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Global Health Equity (UGHE) in Rwanda, Prof. Chris Beyrer, Director of the Duke Global Health Institute (DGHI), Prof. Wendy O’Meara, Deputy Director of DGHI, Emily Smith, Associate Professor of Emergency Medicine and Global Health, and Joseph Kipkoech Kirui, DGHI Coordinator for International Partnerships.
The meeting focused on safeguarding gains made in global health while exploring opportunities for deeper collaboration through student and faculty exchange programmes, joint research projects, healthcare innovation, and community-based service initiatives.
Participants emphasised the importance of strengthening international partnerships at a time when global health systems continue to face complex challenges that require collective solutions.
Focus on Pediatric Training and Specialised Care
The delegation also paid a courtesy call on Prof. Bradley Marino, Chair of the Department of Paediatrics and Pediatrician-in-Chief at Duke University Health System, where discussions centred on pediatric clinical training and shared academic priorities.
According to Dr Songok, the partnership has already played an important role in supporting clinical services, research, paediatric specialisation, and broader global health collaborations through the Duke Global Health Institute.
A major outcome of the discussions was the exploration of support for the upcoming training of Clinical Fellows in Paediatric Cardiology at Moi University School of Medicine.
The initiative is expected to strengthen specialised child healthcare services in Kenya by increasing local expertise in paediatric cardiology, a field critical in the management of congenital and acquired heart diseases among children.
Dr Songok noted that the planned programme represents an important step in building advanced medical training capacity while improving access to specialised healthcare services for children in Kenya and the wider East African region.
Moi University-Duke University long-term collaboration
Moi University said it is looking forward to hosting Prof. Marino for an official site visit in the near future as both institutions work to deepen their collaboration.
The university expressed optimism that the growing partnership with Duke University will create new opportunities for medical education, clinical excellence, research innovation, and capacity building, further reinforcing its position as a leading centre for health sciences training in the region.
The engagements underscore Moi University’s commitment to fostering global partnerships that enhance healthcare delivery and strengthen the next generation of medical professionals through world-class training and research collaborations.
