Training of Trainers (ToT) on Clinical Research, Manuscript Writing and Journal Management at Getfam Hotel was provided in Addis Abeba from October 30- November 3, 2017. The ToT was part of a plan by the Journal Development Thematic Area under the Collaboration Project between the Ethiopian Society of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ESOG) and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG).
Participants of the training were the about 30 individuals from departments of obstetrics and gynecology (Ob-Gyn) in the various institutions, the editorial board of the Ethiopian Journal of Reproductive Health (EJRH) and other peer professional associations. Opened by a welcoming address from Dr. Dereje Negussie, president of ESOG, the five days training covered a variety of issues in Ob-Gyn research and medical publication.
The training was provided by Kenneth F. Schulz, PhD, David A. Grimes, MD, both senior researchers and authors of The Lancet, handbook of essential concepts in clinical research, Dr. Nancy Chescheir, editor-in-chief, Rebecca Benner, managing editor of the Green Journal, medical publication of ACOG and Dr. Bert Peterson.
The training ended with Dr. Dereje handing out certificates to participants. The closing highlighted the commitment taken to engage more in research and journal management by participants.
Preliminary results from a survey tool distributed on the training found out that all of the participants found that the trainers to be most senior in the subject of interest. More than 85% of the participants have also reflected on how helpful the training was and the inspiration they take away to participate more in manuscript writing, reviewing and editorial management.
The thematic area was crafted to boost the quality and the quantity of volumes published under EJRH. Under the leadership of Dr. Muhidin Abdo the thematic area has successfully reestablished the editorial board. According to the new structure the newly elected members are Dr. Ahmed Abdella, Editor -in-Chief, Dr. Delayehu Bekele, Associate Editor-in-Chief (Ob-Gyn), Dr. Mitike Molla, Associate Editor (Public Health), Dr. Muhidin Abdo, Member/ H. Secretary, Dr. Mulu Muleta, member, Dr. Mirgissa Kabba, Member, Dr. Birhanu Kebede, Member, Dr. Mekdes Daba, Member, Dr. Firewoyni Tesfay, Member, Addisu Deresse, Editor Secretary. Dr. Mirgissa and Dr. Mulu were also members of the former editorial board while the rest are brought in with the new restructuring.
The new editorial board was established by bringing together the old editorial board and members of the Journal Development Thematic Area under the ESOG-ACOG Collaborative Project; while Dr. Mitike and Dr. Ahmed are new to both platforms.
EJRH is a 10 years old scientific publication of ESOG contributing to the evidence based learning in sexual and reproductive health through publishing original articles, case reports, paper reviews and program briefs, among others. So far, the publication has published and distributed 8 volumes and one special issue, the 9th one being in the pipeline.
