South Africa: Durban, University of KwaZulu-Natal

Mentor: Yoanna Pumpalova, MD
Site Mentors: Dr. Vasudevan Naidoo and Dr. Shakeel Kader

Research opportunities available at this site/project/program:
Summer Research Projects

Thematic Research Areas at this site/project/program:
Access to Health Care, Non-communicable Diseases, and Cancer

Global Pop funds students from the following CUIMC Schools at this site:
VP&S and MSPH

Language requirement:
No

Potential activities that could be carried out by students at this site:
Interviewing/Surveying, Attend regular Team/site meetings, Data collection, Data analysis, and Shadowing 

Other requirements or information:
This site offers on-site orientation upon arrival.

About Projects with Dr. Pumpalova in 2024

Project Title: Early Colorectal Cancer Detection in South African Public Hospitals

Project Information and Activities:
Students would help clinicians identify patients eligible for an ongoing cohort study focused on early colorectal cancer detection. Students will help research assistants consent eligible patients, interview patients (using a study survey), upload data into RedCAP, perform fecal immunohistochemistry tests on collected patient stool samples, and abstract medical chart information on colonoscopy and pathology results. Students will also be expected to go on ward rounds with the colorectal surgery and gastroenterology teams.

Students will be stationed in Durban. Students will be responsible for finding their own accommodations using AirBnB or related sites, with input from Dr. Pumpalova on appropriate neighborhoods. Uber and or other rideshare apps will be used for transportation.

Student Participation: Hybrid (4-6 weeks traveling and 4-6 weeks remote)

Travel Location(s): University of KwaZulu-Natal in Durban, South Africa

Number of students: 1-2

Mentored Research Project in 2023

Fecal Immunohistochemistry Testing for Early Colorectal Cancer Diagnosis in South Africa 
Students: Alexander (Sascha) Morris (VP&S) and Madhav Nekkar (VP&S)

Mentored Research Project in 2022