By Wolfgang Grisold, MD, Steven L. Lewis, MD, and Riadh Gouider, MD

The WFN delegation met with neurology faculty and residents during a site visit to Cheikh Anta Diop University in Dakar, Senegal. This is the third WFN Teaching Center in Africa.

With the creation of several World Federation of Neurology (WFN) Teaching Centers, the WFN has increased the scope of its educational activities for training young neurologists worldwide.

In 2013, the University of Rabat, Morocco, was the first institution to be accredited, followed by the University of Cairo in 2015. Cheikh Anta Diop University, Dakar, Senegal, will be the third WFN training center in Africa. The rationale behind the application of Cheikh Anta Diop University is not only the need for an additional training center, but also the previous training experiences already accumulated by this institution. Outside of the African continent, the WFN also accredited training centers in Mexico in 2016.

Dr. Riadh Gouider gives a lecture to faculty and residents.

The neurology department at Cheikh Anta Diop University applied and was visited according to WFN procedures by Wolfgang Grisold, MD, Vienna, Austria, WFN secretary general; Steven Lewis, MD, Chicago, Illinois, United States, co-opted trustee and chair, WFN Education Committee; and Riadh Gouider, MD, La Manouba Tunisia, African Academy of Neurology and elected WFN trustee.

Prior to the visit, structured interviews were distributed to staff, teachers, and trainees. On site, the Visiting Committee interviewed randomly selected staff members and residents.

Dr. Gallo Diop makes a presentation for neurology residents.

The neurology department at Cheikh Anta Diop University has a resident teaching structure depending on the year of training. The four-year training includes one year in a different facility. First-year neurology residents predominantly are involved in inpatient services, and, at the later stages, they are involved in all outpatient and additional services. Night duties are under supervision, and a faculty member always can be reached. Daily visits of all inpatients occur. The department has a high number of educational events, including semiology, lectures, and case studies. Residents are encouraged to participate in meetings, give presentations, and participate in scientific projects. Internet is available to them.

Dr. Mansour Ndiaye (center), head of neurology, meets with Drs. Wolfgang Grisold (left) and Steven L. Lewis.

In terms of subspecialties, a one-year diploma of epilepsy can be pursued, and an additional diploma on neuromuscular diseases is being developed.

The visit to the department was carried out according to a predetermined checklist, which called for visiting inpatient departments. Visits to patient rooms also was granted. The team inspected several laboratories, including ultrasound, electrophysiology, and clinical laboratories. Other departments, including radiology, neurosurgery, pathology, and rehabilitation guarantee that multidisciplinary involvement will be achieved. Compared with other public hospitals seen during the visit to Dakar, the neurology department looked structured, and the interior seemed well organized.

Faculty and residents from Cheikh Anta Diop University observe a lecture.

The impressions of the site visitors were positive and confirmed a well functioning and busy department, devoted to patient care, training, and education. The staff comprises highly motivated colleagues who are keenly interested in teaching neurology and increasing the high level of patient care. The WFN is pleased to name the Cheikh Anta Diop University Dakar as the third WFN Teaching Center in Africa.