Pediatric anesthesia in Mongolia and Thailand
Pornarun Charoenraj, Zolzaya Chinzorig, Dolgorsuren Adiya, Naiyana Aroonpruksakul, Khuanysh Ayatkhan, Oyun Bayarsaikhan, Odgerel Boldbaatar, Duenpen Horatanaruang, Urantuya Khorolsaikhan, Pornswan Ngamprasertwong, Tumenjargal Purev‐Oidov, Solongo Tumur, Justin Skowno- Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine
- Pediatrics, Perinatology and Child Health
Abstract
Introduction and history
In Mongolia, pediatric anesthesia has advanced during the past 25 years through expanded, standardized education programs and international collaboration. Pediatric anesthesia is a recognized specialty, covering all surgical services, including cardiac and transplant, using physicians and nurses.
Training
The pediatric anesthesia fellowship is 6 months after 2 years of residency; pediatric nurse anesthesia training is 6 months.
Conclusion
As a Low‐ and Middle‐Income Country (LMIC) with low population density and extreme weather, the challenges include insufficient equipment, supplies, and clinician numbers, matching few clinicians to many varied patient locations, and covering surgical emergencies over distance and weather.
In Thailand, education and training in pediatric anesthesia remain a focus: Pediatric anesthesia is an official subspecialty, the fellowship is accredited, using a competency‐based curriculum with milestones of Direct Observation of Procedural Skills and Entrusted Professional Activities. The Bangkok Anesthesia Regional Training Center (BARTC)‐Pediatrics, jointly sponsored by the World Federation of Societies of Anesthesiologists (WFSA) and the Society for Pediatric Anesthesia (SPA), have expanded training to anesthesiologists worldwide. Challenges include difficulty balancing service workload and education, as well as attracting pediatric anesthesia fellows due to the strong private sector job market.