Report: Visit - the School of Medicine at the University of Connecticut (UCONN)

October 14, 2008

(S. Mampunza M.M., MD, PhD)

During the past 3 years, we have been developing contacts with US medical schools of prestigious Universities. We are grateful to all who are helping us to build a new medical faculty at the UPC, and implementing international standards.

I must recognize that I have seen and learned much with these visits. I have visited several prestigious universities with medical schools. UCONN (University of Connecticut Medical School) has been the most encouraging contact to date.

In my point of view, it is now time to develop functioning contacts which offer support and development of the UPC medical program and aid in developing liaison programs. I think my visit to UCONN is the kind of beneficial contact we need.

I gave two lectures to the UCONN Medical School: a first one to medical residents, professors, and other physicians, and one to medical students who have special interest in Africa. Professor K Dieckhaus and Dr L.N. Testerman (my host) did a wonderful job in organizing these medical meetings.

In our meetings, practical programs were discussed… The new Dean we met agreed with our common planning:

Summary of the UCONN discussions:

1. In May 2009, Professor K. Dieckhaus hopes to visit the UPC and the IME Kimpese Hospital (rural teaching hospital).with the intent of bringing a group of medical students and research fellows to implement a research project. The intent is that this will develop into an ongoing liaison with the UPC medical program and UCONN Medical School.
2. After his visit, we will plan
   • Teachers and students housing, mobility, and any other needs.
   • Medical research on public health in Congo by UCONN faculty and students.
   • Book donations of used student texts (previous year)
   • The possible visit of the Dean of the UCONN medical school to the UPC (may be in December).

We would like to continue to develop these practical contacts with other American Universities. I am sure we can do it.

Let the Mighty God bless all of us.

Sam Mampunza Ma Miezi
MD, PhD
Dean, Medical school /UPC
Tel: 00243-999131820 – 898972972.
smmampunza@hotmail.com