Zimbabwe

For the past 13 years Dr. Paul Thistle, a graduate of the University of Toronto Obstetrics and Gynecology Program and Adjunct Professor in the Department, has been Medical Director of the Salvation Army Howard Hospital in Glendale, Zimbabwe. This 140-bed hospital, located in a rural area about 1 hour’s drive northwest of the Zimbabwean capital of Harare, is the primary referral centre for the surrounding rural population of approximately 250,000. Zimbabwe is a country of approximately 17 million located in Southern Africa. Zimbabwe unfortunately suffers a high burden of HIV disease, with approximately 20% of the adult population living with HIV.

Howard Hospital has a busy obstetrical service, performing approximately 2,100 deliveries/year in addition to general adult and pediatric services. There is further a strong program for counseling, testing and treatment of HIV, in particular for the pregnant population as well as for the general population.

There is considerable research ongoing at Howard Hospital, in particular in the prevention of Mother to Child Transmission of HIV as well as in other areas of maternal/child health care and tropical medicine. Dr. Thistle partners in research with University of Toronto faculty from the departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Infectious Diseases, Microbiology and Family and Community Medicine as well as local faculty from the University of Harare in Zimbabwe.

Many students and residents have had the opportunity to participate in wonderful clinical and research electives at Howard Hospital over the years. A list of expected skills at the completion of a resident elective are provided. Please contact Dr. Thistle directly at for more information about an experience at Howard Hospital.

Source: University of Toronto – International Health Opportunities