American Association for the Surgery of Trauma Delegation to Kingdom of Morocco
November 5-11, 2023
Delegation Leader:
Dr. David H. Livingston, 2021- 2022 President, American Association for the Surgery of Trauma
Preliminary Schedule of Activities
Please note- Specific meetings and facility visits will be determined based on the goals and topics of discussion defined by the delegation leader and the UAE organizing committee. Delegation members will be asked to complete a Professional profile and offer suggested topics of discussion. The final schedule of activities will reflect the composition of the delegation.
November 4, 2023, Saturday- Depart the United States
November 5, 2023, Sunday-Arrive Casablanca, and Transfer to Rabat
Individual arrivals from the US to Mohammed V International Airport, Casablanca, Morocco. You will be met by our ground team and transferred to the delegation hotel in Rabat, the capital city of Morocco.
For those arriving in the morning, Afternoon walking tour of Rabat in the old medina and in the evening, introductory program briefing.
Overnight: Sofitel Jardins Des Roses, Rabat
November 6, 2023, Monday- Professional Day-Rabat
This morning, meeting with the members of Ministry of Health to gain an understanding of the Healthcare system in Morocco and the initiatives to advance care for the future.
Topics of Discussion
- Orientation on the healthcare system in Morocco
- Public Health initiatives
- Strategic goals for the next ten years
- International NGO’s supporting trauma programs in the region
- Advances and innovations in trauma care services delivery
Later meeting with faculty and students at Mohamed V University of Rabat, the largest school of medicine in Morocco. Mohammed V University ranks as one of the top 200 universities worldwide in a BRICS country or an emerging economy.
Topics of Discussion
- Morocco’s approach to trauma.
- Components of the Moroccan Trauma System
- Financing of Health Care in Morocco
- Level of education/training for trauma service providers
- Needs/gaps for trauma education in Morocco
This evening, requested for a meeting with US Embassy in Rabat, meet with The Honorable David Green, US Charge’ d’Affaires or his representative to learn about the US role in the region and NGOs supporting healthcare in Morocco.
Overnight: Sofitel Jardins Des Roses, Rabat
November 7, 2023, Tuesday- Cultural/Professional Day-Rabat –Fez
Morning city tour and cultural orientation to Rabat, including the Kasbah district of Oudaias, the Royal Palace and the National Museum.
Continue drive to Mohamed VI Medical University, the primary Hospital in the Mohammed VI medical center network, a private, non-profit healthcare provider. The University Hospital is a level-2 Trauma-Center according to the European classification. It houses an emergency department (traumatology and orthopedics, anesthesia, extensive resuscitation, adult and pediatric), all surgical specialties, interventional radiology, means of massive transfusion, follow-up, and Rehabilitation Care (FRC). Meet with the administration, physicians, and staff of the Trauma Center.
Topics of Discussion
- epidemiology of injury in Morocco
- access to care
- trauma center programs in the community
- Phases of Care: prehospital care, inpatient care, rehabilitation services.
Later transfer to Fez.
Overnight: Marriott Hotel Jnan Palace, Fez
November 8, 2023, Wednesday- Professional/Cultural Day-Fez
Visit the Department of Emergency Services at the Hassan II University Hospital Center.
Topics of Discussion
- Access to care for rural populations
- WHO investment to reduce the urban/rural healthcare gap
- Community outreach programs to reduce the trauma incidents
In the afternoon, experience Fez, the most complete medieval city in the Arab world; Fes is a delight to explore. Set off on a walking tour of Fes el Bali (the old city) to discover its palaces, mosques and medersas. Discover the 14th-century Bou Inania Madrassa, characterized by its intricately carved stucco walls, arches, and cornices. See the Nejjarine Fountain, covered in exquisite mosaics, and the Kairaouine Mosque
Overnight: Marriott Hotel Jnan Palace, Fes
November 9, 2023, Thursday- Cultural Day-Fez – Marrakesh
Morning drive to Marrakech through the Berber village of Immouzer Kandar and the city of Ifrane, whose cottages and ski station earned it the nickname ”the Moroccan Switzerland.” Continue through Beni Mellal with its 17th century fortresses of Tadla and the Kasbah Ras El Ain enroute to Marrakech.
Overnight: Sofitel Palais Imperial, Marrakech
November 10, 2023, Friday- Professional/ Cultural Day-Marrakesh
Morning visit to the Mohammed VI University Hospital Center of Marrakech, which provides healthcare services to the Marrakech-Safi region. Later visit the publicIbn Tofail University Hospital. In February 2001 the Moroccan Government signed an $8 million loan agreement with The OPEC Fund for International Development to help improve medical services in and around Marrakech, which led to expansions of Ibn Tofail University Hospital.
Later, exploration of the ochre city. Here you will find an ancient medina and a bountiful souk filled with the arts and crafts Morocco is famous for. Dive into an exploration of the city of Marrakech to see the splendid Koutoubia Mosque and the Saadian Tombs, the 14th-century Ben Youssef Madrassa and Bahia Palace.
In the afternoon, we will visit the “artist’s studio” in the Botanical Gardens, painted in the famous “Majorelle Blue”. End the visit in Jmaa El Fna; UNESCO world heritage, located at the entrance of the Medina, this triangular square, which is surrounded by restaurants, stands and public buildings, provides everyday commercial activities and various forms of entertainment. It is a meeting point for both the local population and people from elsewhere.
Overnight: Sofitel Palais Imperial, Marrakech
November 11, 2023, Saturday- Marrakesh – Departure/ Extension
Depart for the United States or Optional Cultural Extension. – See Morocco Travel Information for Cultural Extension program