PROGRAM STATUS & FUTURE STEPS
Current Program Status
The program has been fully reviewed and endorsed by Jim Wagner, Ph.D., President of Emory University, and Tom Lawley, M.D., Dean of Emory School of Medicine. The Global Health Institute and the Rollins School of Public Health provide critical links to related disciplines in international health delivery. The Institute for Developing Nations and the Carter Center will also be a source for political guidance and collaborations. Each of these centers at Emory provides key areas of interdisciplinary support and expertise within the University and important connections globally at political and health care levels. Additionally the Global Health Institute at Emory provided critical start up funding for ESCOME. Funding has been secured from the Patrick Foundation and several corporations have committed support for both infrastructure and core curriculum development. Additionally, experts throughout the US are donating to the curriculum.
Dr. William C. Horton started in January 2007 as Executive Director of the ESCOME program. Approval by James Roberson, M.D., Chairman, Emory Department of Orthopedics, has been given for a combined appointment, allowing Dr. Horton to continue clinical practice and direct ESCOME. Initial site selection discussions are underway for China, and Board members have been selected. The endorsement and active participation of the Chinese Orthopedic Association (COA) has been essential under the leadership of Professor Qiu Guixing and the 18-member China Advisory Board.
Future steps
ESCOME is now completing arrangements with the appropriate representatives from the political and medical leadership in China. This includes detailed discussions on the process for site selection, surgeon selection, post-training evaluation and appropriate means of financial support for the partnering surgeons and hospitals. Funding will be provided through joint contributions from Emory University, corporate donors, foundations, and the partnering institutions of China. The ESCOME initiative provides a unique opportunity to combine the talents of academia, near-retirement spine specialists, professional societies, industry, philanthropists and governments as China and the US partner to address this critical global healthcare need through outreach. It also allows powerful opportunities for bridge-building through international medical education as both cultural and professional exchange occurs and new relationships are formed.