The Salzburg CHOP Seminar in Pediatric Pulmonology took place for the seventh time this week, from April 24-30, 2022. A very diverse cohort, 31 fellows from 24 countries, including Georgia, Ghana, Kosovo, Nigeria, Poland, Romania, Turkey, and more, gathered at Schloss Arenberg in Salzburg, Austria. CHOP has been one of the OMI’s main academic partners for more than 20 years, and we appreciate their constant efforts in further expanding the OMI network. CHOP faculty members who have roots in Ghana are currently developing a partnership with Korle Bu Teaching Hospital in Accra, Ghana. We are pleased that the first fellow from this connection, Dr. Kwabena Osman, participated in this week’s seminar.
Dr. Danna Tauber, Associate Professor of Clinical Pediatrics at the Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, served as the course director and participated for the first time in an OMI seminar. Dr. Ernst Eber, Professor of Pediatrics, Chair of the Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, and Head of the Division of Pediatric Pulmonology and Allergology and Cystic Fibrosis Centre at the Medical University of Graz, co-led the course, marking his sixth OMI participation. Additional faculty members included Dr. Julie Fierro. Dr. Oscar H. Mayer, Dr. Andreas Pfleger, Dr. Pelton A. Phinizy, and Marlies Wagner.
The expert faculty presented 21 didactic lectures during the week, including topics such as Respiratory Physiology, Cystic Fibrosis Pulmonary Aspects, Non-Invasive Mechanical Ventilation, Dysphagia and Aspiration, and more. Faculty held a workshop on Monday afternoon, sharing their expertise on how to effectively present a case, followed by presenting cases from their own experiences. Tuesday and Wednesday afternoon were dedicated to fellows’ case presentations, in which each fellow shared an interesting case from their own work. Five excellent cases were selected by faculty members, including Bronchiectasis: A Broad Differential Diagnosis by Dr. Pablo Perea from Mexico, Hemoptysis in a Healthy Boy by Dr. Sonila Hysa from Albania, Toddler with Recurrent Pneumonia by Dr. Anja Mussler from Austria, Baby Blue by Dr. Goda Laucaityte from Lithuania, and Home Treatment of a Minor Scalp Sore with a Fatal Respiratory Outcome by Dr. Oghenetega Obrerhor from Nigeria.
Learning objectives for the course stated that at the conclusion of the seminar, each participant should be better able to understand pulmonary physiology and pathophysiology, common lung disorders in infants, children, adolescents, and young adults, and recognize the signs and symptoms of various respiratory disorders in infants and children. Additionally, fellows should be able to discuss diagnostic tools and therapeutics in pediatric lung disorders and develop an understanding of how to approach diagnosis and both acute and long-term management of respiratory disorders.
A sunny Thursday afternoon free of lectures provided fellows’ an afternoon to rest, further connect with one another, and explore more of Salzburg’s culture. Faculty members also enjoyed a tour of the local salt mines. On Thursday evening, a private chamber music concert was held at Schloss Arenberg exclusively for faculty and fellows. Friday evening concluded the official seminar program, complete with a formal three-course meal and a graduation ceremony in which fellows received their course certificates. The lively conversation and engagement among the group showed that fellows truly made lifelong connections and colleagues!
My experience at the Open Medical Institute’s Pediatric Pulmonology seminar has been phenomenal. After officially being invited to the course, the OMI was very helpful in guiding me through the visa application process. During the course I met very friendly pediatricians from many different countries and great faculty members. The course schedule was fantastic, all lectures were relevant and up to date. My highlight of the seminar was the interesting, diverse fellows’ case presentations. I very much enjoyed the city of Salzburg and visited fascinating places. The Pediatric Pulmonology seminar was excellent, and I look forward to the opportunity to attend again in the future.
