The Pan-African Academy of Christian Surgeons (PAACS) is a strategic response to the need for surgeons in Africa.
Coordinator Contact Information
Name
Keir Thelander, MD – PAACS Executive Vice President
Phone
847-571-9926
Website
https://paacs.net
Requirements
Requirements: Please visit the www.paacs.net for the most up to date information.
Purpose of Initiative
PAACS is a non-denominational, multinational service organization training African physicians to become surgeons and anesthesiologists who are willing to remain in Africa to meet this need. PAACS provides both surgical and spiritual training at several well-established mission hospitals in 12 countries throughout Africa under the direction of experienced, board-certified missionary surgeons. All PAACS programs are accredited through Loma Linda University, the College of Surgeons of East, Central, and Southern Africa (COSECSA), and the College of Anesthesiologists of East, Central, and Southern Africa (CANECSA). Dr. David Thompson started the first PAACS general surgery residency program in Bongolo, Gabon in 1996 graduating the first PAACS surgeon in 2002. Today there are 156 PAACS graduates serving in under-resourced areas in 23 African countries.
Typical Service Commitment
2 weeks/2-3 Months
Financial Aspects
Travel costs and housing/food expenses. Unlikely to exceed USD $2,500 in total for a two-week visit, depending on air fares.
Language Skills
English (all PAACS training programs are in English), French (language of most PAACS hospitals in West Africa), Arabic (Egypt) and Portuguese (Angola)
Last Updated: 08/13/24
