During the week of June 12th-18th, PAACS and the Christian Academy of African Physicians (CAAP) joined to host a faculty development conference at the CORAT conference center in Nairobi, Kenya. While PAACS has always tried to take advantage of opportunities for faculty development at events where faculty was present, this was the first conference fully devoted to it. Over 30 PAACS faculty attended throughout the week.
Each morning started at 8 AM with worship and a message from Rev. Ed Scearce on 2 Timothy. The day continued with four 1½ hour sessions, ending at 5:30 pm each evening. The first three days combined PAACS and CAAP attendees and small groups would consist of both family medicine physicians and surgeons. On Thursday and Friday, they separated, and PAACS faculty attended courses led by COSECSA faculty – Dr. Mathenge Nduhiu, Dr. Rich Davis (Kijabe), and Dr. Wendy Willmore (Arusha) with Train the Trainer sessions.
In attendance from PAACS administration was Dr. Keir Thelander (Executive Vice President), Dr. John Tarpley (Academic Dean), Dr. Ed Scearce (Spiritual Dean), Dr. Walt Johnson (Associate Vice President for Academic Programs), and Dr. Jim Smith (Professional Development Committee Chair). Leadership from CAAP included Dr. Susan Radecky (Faculty Development Team) and Dr. Bruce Dahlman (Executive Team). Overall, the conference was very well received by attendees, and it is under consideration to be held every few years moving forward.
