History:
The Jackson Clinics Foundation established two educational programs to address the rehabilitation needs of the country. The first program was an Advanced Studies program set up for the 24 physical therapists working at Black Lion Hospital, the teaching hospital for the Addis Ababa University, (AAU), and Medical School. The educational offerings of this program were also open to the other physical therapists in and around Addis Ababa. The Advanced Studies program covered eight modules of didactic and clinical education: Lumbopelvic, Shoulder/elbow, Cervical, Knee, Cardiopulmonary/Wrist/hand, Neurological, Foot/ankle, and Pediatrics. These modules were taught as Level One education over a two year period starting January 1, 2011. We are proud to report that 37 volunteer instructors participated in this two-year educational process. The purpose of developing the Advanced Studies program at Black Lion Hospital was to provide a vehicle to raise the education and clinical performance of the physical therapists working at the hospital to an advanced level of clinical competency. The program was conceived and executed by The Jackson Clinics and funded by the Jackson Clinics Foundation. Clinical faculty, classroom faculty, and Resident mentors were provided by The Jackson Clinics, Health Volunteers Overseas, (HVO), and Regis University.

 

First DPT Program in Africa:
Following that two year program, we launched a doctoral degree program for therapists who possessed a bachelor’s degree in physiotherapy. The Doctoral Degree, (DPT), was made possible through a partnership with Regis University in Denver, Colorado, AAU, the College of Health Sciences in Addis, and Theodros Gebriel, PT, DPT, the director of the program. This program was launched in March 2014. Our first cohort of DPT students is now in their third year of studies. In 2016 our Foundation was responsible for sending groups of mentors and teachers for upper extremity, lower extremity, cervical and lumbar spines. We cover airfare and housing for these volunteers. In 2017 our foundation will send more clinical mentors to Ethiopia. 

​

This four-year project with approximately 50% of the education provided by Medical School faculty and the rest provided by American and European volunteers. After four years the intent is that the program will be fully staffed with Ethiopian professors. The foreign volunteer staff will be replaced by the graduates of our DPT program.

 

In December 2017 we graduated 17 Doctors of Physiotherapy. The Ethiopian program is now in the hands of these 17 pioneers. Long term education with sustainability as the end product is our goal.

 

Learning Center:
In September 2011, Richard and Anna Jackson through The Jackson Clinics Foundation opened a 12 station learning center for our students in Ethiopia. Didactic material was donated by the American Physical Therapy Association, (APTA), and The Jackson Clinics.