American College of Surgeons (ACS)
Delegation to the Kingdom of Morocco
Delegation Leaders:
Dr. Ronald Maier, 2018-2019 President of the American College of Surgeons
Dr. Carlos Pellegrini, 2013-2014 President of the American College of Surgeons
Itinerary
| November 29, 2022 | Tuesday | Depart the United States |
| November 30, 2022 | Wednesday | Arrive Casablanca |
| December 1, 2022 | Thursday | Professional Day-Rabat |
| December 2, 2022 | Friday | Cultural/Professional Day-Rabat –Fez |
| December 3, 2022 | Saturday | Professional/Cultural Day-Fez |
| December 4, 2022 | Sunday | Cultural Day-Fez – Marrakesh |
| December 5, 2022 | Monday | Professional/ Cultural Day-Marrakesh |
| December 6, 2022 | Tuesday | Marrakesh – Departure or Extension/Marrakesh to Ait Ben Haddou and then on to Zagora |
| December 7, 2022 | Wednesday | Zagora to Merzouga |
| December 8, 2022 | Thursday | Merzouga to Ourzazate |
| December 9, 2022 | Friday | Ourzazate – Marrakesh- Later Afternoon Departures |
Preliminary Schedule of Activities
November 29th, Tuesday Depart the United States
November 30th, Wednesday Arrive Casablanca – 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
December 1st, Thursday Professional Day-Rabat
This morning, meeting with the members of Ministry of Health
Topics of Discussion
- Orientation on the healthcare system in Morocco
- Strategic goals for the next ten years
- The role of the ministry and International NGOs in Healthcare Development policy
- Financing models for both public and private healthcare
- Public health priorities
Later meeting with faculty and students at Mohamed V University of Rabat
Topics of Discussion
- Development of Surgery in Morocco and current state of Surgical Services
- Morocco’s approach to trauma
- Quality and Value in the delivery of health care
- Financing of Health Care in Morocco
- Cancer Care, Centres of Excellence, and population health
- Impact of healthcare tourism on Morocco’s public healthcare system
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
December 2nd, Friday 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, a 260-bed, 4-storey hospital offers first-line treatment, surgery, and hospitalization services. Meet with the Hospital Administration and the Head of the Department of Surgery.
Topics of Discussion
- Public Health, priorities in Morocco
- Development of Surgery in Morocco and current state of Surgical Services
- Morocco’s approach to trauma
- Quality and Value in the delivery of health care
- Financing of Health Care in Morocco
- Cancer Care, Centres of Excellence, and population health
- Impact of healthcare tourism on Morocco’s public healthcare system
Later transfer to Fez.
Overnight: Marriott Hotel Jnan Palace, Fez
December 3rd, Saturday Professional/Cultural Day-Fez
Morning meeting with Public Primary Care Physicians
Meet with physicians, nurses and technicians and discuss observations, challenges, addressing chronic diseases and treatments.
Later, visit the Department of Visceral Surgery at the Hassan II University Hospital Center.
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
December 4th, Sunday 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
December 5th, Monday 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, 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
December 6th, Tuesday Marrakesh – Departure/ Extension
Depart for the United States or Optional Cultural Extension.-