An innovative model of university cooperation in developing countries: results of five years of experience in internal medicine, health promotion and education

University cooperation in the field of humanitarian medicine combines academic expertise with development initiatives. The UniCamillus Task Force was established in 2019 to propose new models for training students from developing countries and promoting self-sufficient health systems through medical interventions, education, and capacity building. Five years of experience in regions such as the Amazon, Cameroon, and the Gambia, using assessments, stakeholder collaboration, training, and long-term monitoring, were used to create an innovative model. Data was collected through field reports, interviews, and impact evaluations. In five years, over 130 health workers were trained, telemedicine centers were established, and improved medical access for underserved populations was achieved. The missions have provided over 4000 consultations and ensured the continuity of health facilities after surgery. Integrating university cooperation into development programs promotes sustainable health autonomy. By addressing the main challenges of humanitarian medicine – such as lack of coordination, insufficient follow-up, limited technological resources – working with an innovative model strengthens health systems in the target regions. The innovative model of university cooperation exemplifies university-led humanitarian medicine, fusing research, education, and service. Future efforts will improve digital health solutions, expand research collaborations, and strengthen institutional networks for lasting impact.

Authors

Institutions

Publication Details

Journal
Italian Journal of Medicine
Published
2025-04-17
DOI
https://doi.org/10.4081/itjm.2025.1941
Primary Topic
Interprofessional Education and Collaboration
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
0.00

Funders

Controls
|||
ALL TIME
JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
JUN
JUL
AUG
SEP
OCT
article

An innovative model of university cooperation in developing countries: results of five years of experience in internal medicine, health promotion and education

Anthony J. Tomassoni, Filomena Pietrantonio, Donatella Padua, Luca Moriconi et al.
Italian Journal of Medicine
Interprofessional Education and Collaboration
article

An innovative model of university cooperation in developing countries: results of five years of experience in internal medicine, health promotion and education

Anthony J. Tomassoni, Filomena Pietrantonio, Donatella Padua, Luca Moriconi, Francesco Rosiello, Vera Kopsaj
article en

Abstract

University cooperation in the field of humanitarian medicine combines academic expertise with development initiatives. The UniCamillus Task Force was established in 2019 to propose new models for training students from developing countries and promoting self-sufficient health systems through medical interventions, education, and capacity building. Five years of experience in regions such as the Amazon, Cameroon, and the Gambia, using assessments, stakeholder collaboration, training, and long-term monitoring, were used to create an innovative model. Data was collected through field reports, interviews, and impact evaluations. In five years, over 130 health workers were trained, telemedicine centers were established, and improved medical access for underserved populations was achieved. The missions have provided over 4000 consultations and ensured the continuity of health facilities after surgery. Integrating university cooperation into development programs promotes sustainable health autonomy. By addressing the main challenges of humanitarian medicine – such as lack of coordination, insufficient follow-up, limited technological resources – working with an innovative model strengthens health systems in the target regions. The innovative model of university cooperation exemplifies university-led humanitarian medicine, fusing research, education, and service. Future efforts will improve digital health solutions, expand research collaborations, and strengthen institutional networks for lasting impact.

Italian Journal of MedicineVol. 19(2)
Saint Camillus International University of Health and Medical Sciences (IT), Ellis Hospital (US), University of the Sacred Heart (JP), Sapienza University of Rome (IT)
Medical Research Council
Openalex Percentile: Top 87%
Interprofessional Education and Collaboration
AI Navigator

Ask Laika to Summarize, Analyze, and Connect papers live on the map.

Summarize Papers & Methodologies

Extract key findings, datasets, and comparative methods across publications.

Benchmark Rankings & Visual Analytics

Rank top research institutions, authors, funders, topics, and journals by Field-Weighted Citation Impact (FWCI) and paper volume with instant charts.

Connect Distant Disciplines

Bridge topological clusters on the map to find hidden collaborative intersections.