The International Training Program in Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine in Shanghai is a joint venture of the Canadian Neonatal NetworkTM and the Children's Hospital of Fudan University in Shanghai and endorsed by the Canadian Pediatric Society. The program was launched in April 2004 with Neonatologists, Nurses and Respiratory Therapists participating from across Canada. The objectives of the program are to (a) establish a national training center in neonatal-perinatal medicine in Shanghai, that will train a new generation of neonatologists from across the People's Republic of China (PRC), (b) establish national standards for the training of neonatologists in the PRC, and (c) upgrade standards of care and training at the Children's Hospital of Fudan University in Shanghai. In addition, this program will create unprecedented new opportunities for collaboration between Canadian and Chinese doctors and hospitals on a wide range of issues. A Joint Training Committee of 3 representatives each from the PRC and the Canadian Neonatal Network (Drs Ann Jeffries, Horatio Osiovich and Shoo Lee) provides oversight for the program. The training curriculum and standards for the program follow those of the Royal College of Physicians of Canada for sub-specialty training in neonatal-perinatal medicine in Canada.
In this program, each year, selected trainees from across the PRC are enrolled in a 2-year training program. Fluency in English is a pre-requisite and admission and graduation criteria are set by the Joint Training Committee. During the first year, training is conducted at the Children's Hospital of Fudan University in Shanghai by 2 faculty members from Canada, on monthly rotations throughout the year. Training is conducted in English and includes lectures, seminars, discussions, ward rounds, clinical training, clinical charting and other activities as determined by the Joint Training Committee. The aim is to bring trainees to a level where they can function as neonatal fellows in a Canadian neonatal training environment. During the second year, successful trainees may be selected to attend further neonatal fellowship training in Canada. Candidates must provide an undertaking to return to the PRC upon completion of their training.