Training in Cardiovascular Medicine
Advancing Cardiac Nursing Capacity
In 2026 ten Rwandan nurses successfully completed Master’s degree training in Egypt, forming the first cohort trained at the Aswan Heart Centre through the British University in Egypt. The programme combined postgraduate academic study with advanced clinical placements.
The training was supported by Chain of Hope. The organisation provided full sponsorship, covering tuition, clinical training, travel, accommodation, stipends, and professional uniforms,
During the programme, different nurses undertook specialised training in operating room scrub nursing, cardiac catheterisation laboratory nursing, and cardiac ward nursing, with a focus on perioperative care, post-operative recovery, rehabilitation, and continuity of care.
Perfusion Fellowship Training – A Historic First Cohort
In 2024, three Rwandan perfusionists began a two-year Fellowship in Egypt, marking the first time non-Egyptian candidates have been admitted to this highly regarded programme.
This Fellowship is academically equivalent to Master’s-level training and provides comprehensive theoretical education, advanced clinical practice, and hands-on experience in cardiopulmonary bypass and extracorporeal life support.
The trainees are undertaking their Fellowship at the Aswan Heart Centre, gaining exposure to complex adult and paediatric cardiac surgery, mechanical circulatory support, and advanced perfusion technologies.
Upon completion, these Fellows will return to the Rwanda–Egypt Heart Centre and contribute to training the next generation of specialists.
This historic first cohort not only represents a milestone for Rwanda’s cardiovascular services but also strengthens the regional collaboration between Rwanda and Egypt in developing sustainable, high-quality cardiac care.
Cardiology Training – University of Rwanda External Rotation at Aswan Heart Centre
Rwanda–Egypt Heart Centre supports cardiology specialisation through the University of Rwanda External Rotation Programme. Through placements at Aswan Heart Centre, Rwandan trainees gain exposure to high-volume, complex cardiovascular cases in a world-class clinical setting, with training aligned to University of Rwanda logbooks and competency standards.
Cardiologists have already begun placements, gaining hands-on experience in advanced diagnostics, interventional cardiology, heart failure management, cardiac imaging, and multidisciplinary case discussions. Additional trainees will begin rotations in 2026 and 2027, reinforcing a long-term commitment to strengthening Rwanda’s cardiovascular workforce and expanding access to specialised cardiac care in support of the Ministry of Health’s 4×4 programme.
