The Orthopaedic Specialty at SALAMAT CIO Charity has been honoured to initiate, lead, and sustain the first-ever Arthroscopic Training Course in Sudan, a pioneering educational programme that began in 2009 and continued successfully on an annual basis until February 2023. This landmark initiative marked a turning point in the development of minimally invasive orthopaedic surgery in Sudan, particularly in the field of shoulder arthroscopy, where it represented the true starting point of structured practice and formal training in the country.
Course Leadership and Expertise
The course was conducted under the leadership of two distinguished figures in arthroscopic surgery:
Their combined expertise ensured that the programme met international standards and delivered high-quality, clinically relevant training to Sudanese orthopaedic surgeons.
Programme Structure and Educational Approach
The Arthroscopic Course was carefully designed to balance theory with practice and consisted of:
- Structured didactic lectures covering fundamental and advanced concepts
- Hands-on training using arthroscopic simulation models
- Live surgical demonstrations, allowing participants to observe real-time procedures and techniques
To ensure the highest possible standard of training, all arthroscopy towers and simulation models were sourced from outside Sudan, overcoming local resource limitations and providing participants with exposure to modern surgical technology.
Accessibility and Impact
In line with SALAMAT’s core mission of capacity building and equitable access to education, the course was offered entirely free of charge to Sudanese orthopaedic surgeons. This removed financial barriers and enabled wide participation from across the country.
A major milestone was achieved in 2020, when the first generation of trainees successfully completed the programme and returned as course trainers. This transition from trainees to trainers stands as a powerful indicator of the programme’s success and represents a sustainable model for knowledge transfer, continuity, and long-term growth within the Sudanese orthopaedic community.
Broader Engagement and Professional Representation
In addition to the structured course programme, SALAMAT’s orthopaedic activities were actively represented in:
- Medical missions organised under SALAMAT
- National and regional conferences
- Scientific events of the Sudanese Orthopaedic Surgeons Association
These contributions, including individual participations carried out in the name of SALAMAT, helped strengthen professional networks and raise the profile of Sudanese orthopaedic surgery at both national and international levels.
A Lasting Legacy
The Arthroscopic Training Programme stands as one of SALAMAT’s most impactful educational initiatives—one that not only introduced a new surgical discipline to Sudan but also embedded it within the local medical community through structured training, mentorship, and sustainability.
It remains a testament to what can be achieved through vision, collaboration, and a commitment to empowering local healthcare professionals.
