From Prague to Houston

Texas-Czech Republic Physician Exchange Program

"For those who practice medicine in Prague, the times have not changed much since before World War II. Despite the dramatic political shifts occurring in communist nations since 1989, many of the health care advances made during the latter part of the 20th century have not crossed the former Iron curtain."

Dr. Eva Meluzinova, nurse Jana Ultauska, Dr. Anna Matulikova
and Dr. Edita Kabickova have come to Houston's Texas Children's
Hospital Cancer Center from Prague's Motol Hospital and
the teaching Hospital of Charles University.

This quote from an informational brochure about the Texas-Czech Physician Exchange Program captures the dilemma many physicians in the former Communist country are facing. Through the efforts of some dedicated doctors in Houston and in Prague, over 60 young physicians from the Czech Republic have been able to come to Houston for three-month intensive fellowships. The KLM Royal Dutch Airline has given airline passage for the fellowships.

"It's been a wonderfully rewarding program," says Dr. Arthur M. Jansa, who sits on the program's board of directors. "I think that the program has contributed not just to the knowledge and proficiency of the visiting fellows, but has also impacted medical education and medical practice in Prague and the Czech Republic. That's very rewarding to those of us here in Houston who are committed to the program's success."

Continual support and contributions to the program are needed to ensure its future success. For more information, contact Dr. Jansa at 713-521-9541.

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©2006 Texas Medical Center

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URL: http://www.tmc.edu/tmcnews/09_01_98/page_09.html