THE Medical Association of Jamaica (MAJ) and Philadelphia International Medicine (PIM) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to establish a knowledge bridge between Philadelphia — a hub of medical innovation — and Jamaica, an island of medical sophistication.

PIM and MAJ agreed to form a continuing medical education affiliation between MAJ physicians and the doctors, surgeons and hospitals of PIM’s network, which includes Temple University Hospital, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital and Fox Chase Cancer Center.

A news release from PIM said the affiliation will provide continuing medical education for Jamaican physicians through clinical training, knowledge transfers, symposia, and medical technology.

Under the terms of this agreement, the MAJ and Philadelphia International Medicine will focus on enhancing physician training and continuing medical education for the island’s doctors, thus increasing the standard of patient care, hospital management and the quality of health care delivery, to provide the best experiences for their patients.

“We are extremely excited to share such important news with our patients, our physicians and the country at large. Many of our local specialist physicians have been trained to international standards but have been constrained in our practice by a lack of the equipment that are necessary to practice at First World standard. In affiliating with Philadelphia International Medicine, the members of the Medical Association of Jamaica will be better able to meet the current and growing health care needs of the communities we serve today, as well as play a critical role in helping to establish new standards of care through research, innovation, technology, and medical training provided to our physicians,” said Dr Myrton Smith, president of the Medical Association of Jamaica.

“This means that with the knowledge-sharing arrangement, we can ensure that our local practice is current with international standards. It also benefits our patients as the PIM network is now available for patients to be transferred for specialist care in circumstances where the necessary expertise or equipment is unavailable locally,” he continued.

The news release said the MOU will assist both organisations in establishing a formal, ongoing relationship that will build a “health gateway”, linking members of MAJ to PIM and its network of seven hospitals, including four specialty hospitals and two medical schools for ongoing training, university research and innovation, insight on new treatments and procedures.

“This opportunity allows PIM hospitals to expand their teaching mission and establish relationships with Jamaica’s health care community. We look forward to working with the Medical Association of Jamaica for many years to come, exploring ways both sides can enhance the health care of our populations and mutually sharing our innovations and best practices,” said Leonard Karp, president and CEO of Philadelphia International Medicine.

To cultivate this relationship, PIM will provide ongoing continuing medical education exchanges beginning in May, which are expected to include quarterly video conferencing of clinical seminars, training in Philadelphia through peer-to-peer collaborations, in-person conferences, grand rounds, and case reviews.

Additionally, MAJ and PIM will collaboratively explore joint opportunities in Jamaica and in Philadelphia to provide comprehensive health care to patients of MAJ’s network of surgeons and physicians.

Medical Association of Jamaica is an organisation of medical doctors committed to the enhancement of the professional and personal development of the over 2,000 members, including students.

Philadelphia International Medicine is a health care organisation dedicated to bringing the services of seven prestigious Philadelphia area hospitals to the international community. PIM’s network includes Fox Chase Cancer Center, Temple University Hospital, and Thomas Jefferson University Hospital as anchor organisations, and its affiliate hospitals include Wills Eye Hospital, Rothman Institute Orthopaedics, Magee Rehabilitation Hospital, and the Renfrew Center.