Medical College, East Africa

AKU Fellowship Programmes

Fellowship Programmes are intended to train academically oriented leaders in clinical care and investigation using best practice approaches that prepare trainees to work at the forefront of their field.

Currently the University offers fellowship programmes in the following specialties:

Cardiology
Infectious Diseases
Fellowship in Neonatology 
Fellowship in Paediatric Neurology
Fellowship in Medical Oncology

Foundations of the Fellowship Programmes

Fellowship programmes build on the strengths of the residency programmes and aim to provide focused and in-depth training in a specific sub-specialty. They differ from residency programmes in terms of the depth and extent of training provided. A graduate of a fellowship programme has a thorough grounding in the theoretical basis as well as the requisite knowledge and skill to undertake independent practice as a specialist.

Structure of the Fellowship Programmes

The fellowship programmes provide training using rigorous standards similar to those used in the residency programmes. In view of the seniority and experience of the fellows their responsibilities, work and duties reflect this and capitalise on their expertise, even as emphasis is put on research as a part of the training.

Entry requirements

The basic criterion for entry into any fellowship programme is the completion of a full residency training programme (Masters degree in medicine or equivalent postgraduate course) in the parent specialty. Other requirements include Bachelor of medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (M.B.Ch.B) or equivalent; Registration by the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council (or other recognised medical board) and at least 4 years post internship experience.

Evaluation and Assessment

This follows recognised formats developed within the University. The level of responsibility is graduated as the fellow progresses from the first year to the final year. Fellows take on greater responsibilities than residents, contribute to the teaching of medical students and residents and perform many more procedures independently under the supervision of the consultants.

The Kenya Paediatric Fellowship Programme

AKU's Medical College, East Africa with the support of the Ministry of Health and the Kenya Paediatric Fellowship Programme (KPFP) offers a 2-year sub specialty programme in Neonatology and in Paediatric Neurology.

The scholarship programme is implemented in collaboration with the MOH, KPFP and other stakeholders in order to support specialised paediatric skills and thereby address the issue of acute shortage and poor distribution of specialised child health care. The KPFP program will target paediatricians working in the public sector employed by county governments. Limited training space is available for Kenyan paediatricians not employed by the county governments.

Selected fellows will undergo a two-year competency-based training programme at the Aga Khan University. Upon successful completion of the training, fellows will be awarded a Fellowship in Neonatology or Paediatric Neurology.

Successful candidates employed by County Governments will receive an AKU-KPFP scholarship which will cover tuition fees, book allowance and a monthly stipend.