title: Modernizing and transforming medical education at the Kilimanjaro Christian Medical University College.
abstract: The Kilimanjaro Christian Medical University (KCMU) College and the Medical Education Partnership Initiative (MEPI) are addressing the crisis in Tanzanian health care manpower by modernizing the college's medical education with new tools and techniques. With a $10 million MEPI grant and the participation of its partner, Duke University, KCMU is harnessing the power of information technology (IT) to upgrade tools for students and faculty. Initiatives in eLearning have included bringing fiber-optic connectivity to the campus, offering campus-wide wireless access, opening student and faculty computer laboratories, and providing computer tablets to all incoming medical students. Beyond IT, the college is also offering wet laboratory instruction for hands-on diagnostic skills, team-based learning, and clinical skills workshops. In addition, modern teaching tools and techniques address the challenges posed by increasing numbers of students. To provide incentives for instructors, a performance-based compensation plan and teaching awards have been established. Also for faculty, IT tools and training have been made available, and a medical education course management system is now being widely employed. Student and faculty responses have been favorable, and the rapid uptake of these interventions by students, faculty, and the college's administration suggests that the KCMU College MEPI approach has addressed unmet needs. This enabling environment has transformed the culture of learning and teaching at KCMU College, where a path to sustainability is now being pursued.
authors: Dr. Lisasi is monitoring and evaluation officer, Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre Medical Education Partnership Initiative, Moshi, Tanzania. Mr. Kulanga is project leader, Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre Medical Education Partnership Initiative, and deputy provost for administration, Kilimanjaro Christian Medical University College, Moshi, Tanzania. Mr. Muiruri is Duke project leader, Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre Medical Education Partnership Initiative, Durham, North Carolina, and Moshi, Tanzania. Ms. Killewo is learning content management system leader, Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre Medical Education Partnership Initiative, Moshi, Tanzania. Mr. Fadhili is information technology leader, Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre Medical Education Partnership Initiative, Moshi, Tanzania. Ms. Mimano is wet laboratory director, Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre Medical Education Partnership Initiative, Moshi, Tanzania. Mr. Kapanda is biostatistician, Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre Medical Education Partnership Initiative, Moshi, Tanzania. Ms. Tibyampansha is learning content management system specialist, Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre Medical Education Partnership Initiative, Moshi, Tanzania. Ms. Ibrahim is learning content management system specialist, Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre Medical Education Partnership Initiative, Moshi, Tanzania. Dr. Nyindo is associate professor, Kilimanjaro Christian Medical University College, Moshi, Tanzania. Dr. Mteta is associate professor and dean, Faculty of Medicine, Kilimanjaro Christian Medical University College, Moshi, Tanzania. Dr. Kessi is professor and provost, Kilimanjaro Christian Medical University College, Moshi, Tanzania. Dr. Ntabaye is adjunct professor of global health, Duke University, executive director, Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre, and principal investigator, Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre Medical Education Partnership Initiative, Moshi, Tanzania. Dr. Bartlett 
authors: Esther
authors: E
authors: Lisasi
authors: Ahaz
authors: A
authors: Kulanga
authors: Charles
authors: C
authors: Muiruri
authors: Lucy
authors: L
authors: Killewo
authors: Ndimangwa
authors: N
authors: Fadhili
authors: Lucy
authors: L
authors: Mimano
authors: Gibson
authors: G
authors: Kapanda
authors: Dativa
authors: D
authors: Tibyampansha
authors: Glory
authors: G
authors: Ibrahim
authors: Mramba
authors: M
authors: Nyindo
authors: Kien
authors: K
authors: Mteta
authors: Egbert
authors: E
authors: Kessi
authors: Moshi
authors: M
authors: Ntabaye
authors: John
authors: J
authors: Bartlett
mesh_terms: D004501:Education, Medical / Q000639:trends*; D006801:Humans; D007391:International Cooperation; D008491:Medical Informatics Applications; D012577:Schools, Medical / Q000458:organization & administration*; D013636:Tanzania; D014481:United States