Prof. Michel van Dyk delve into the critical topic of heart-lung interactions in ICU patients, especially those undergoing mechanical ventilation.

In this episode from the 11th Annual SWAAC ELSO Conference, With Prof. Michel van Dyk, an anesthesiologist and intensivist from South Africa who helped pioneer ECMO (Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation) services in the region.

Dr. Michel reflects on the vibrant atmosphere of the conference, praising it for its unparalleled networking opportunities and expertly organized sessions. She emphasizes that while information can be accessed online, human connection is what truly sets events like SWAK apart.

The conversation dives into key challenges facing the expansion of ECMO services across Africa—primarily cost and training. Dr. Michel explains that while ECMO is a resource-intensive technology, her team in South Africa has developed cost-effective models that maintain outcomes comparable to those in high-income countries. However, training remains a major hurdle, especially for nurses who play a crucial role in ECMO patient care.

As the future president of SWAK, Dr. Fandike advocates for greater awareness, targeted training, and international sponsorships to support young African doctors and nurses. She also highlights the importance of context-specific care, especially in dealing with unique regional challenges like HIV and tuberculosis.

Despite obstacles, Dr. Michel is optimistic about the future, citing the passion and determination of Africa’s young medical professionals as a strong foundation for progress.