Bayer-Supported RCOG International Training Program Bridges Chinese Obstetrics and Gynecology with Global Standards to Safeguard Perinatal Women's Health

Nanjing, August 5, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- To promote the widespread dissemination of the latest academic advancements in obstetrics and gynecology and strengthen exchanges and cooperation between China's national associations and international platforms, the "2019 RCOG Specialty Training Program Introduction and Sharing of International Academic Advances in Obstetrics and Gynecology" conference was held in Nanjing on August 2. Spearheaded by Academician Lang Jinghe, an academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering and Director of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Peking Union Medical College Hospital, the event was jointly organized by the Chinese Medical Doctor Association (CMDA) and the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG), with support from Bayer. The two-day conference aimed to highlight the academic standing of RCOG training, showcase the scholarly achievements of Chinese obstetricians and gynecologists, and provide new pathways for professional development, particularly for young physicians at all levels.

Professor Chen Dunjin, Project Chair from the Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University and Director of the Guangzhou Institute of Obstetrics and Gynecology; Professor Duan Tao, Council Member of the World Association of Perinatal Medicine and Honorary Chairman of the Chinese Society of Perinatal Medicine; Professor Yu Kang, Director of the Department of Health Medicine and Director of the Department of Clinical Nutrition at Peking Union Medical College Hospital; along with other experts and outstanding participants selected from the project, jointly attended a two-day project summary and sharing session. The event reviewed highlights of the project, provided insights into the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG), shared content from the 2019 RCOG Annual Conference, and featured in-depth discussions and exchanges on the latest advancements in obstetrics and gynecology, prevention of birth defects, and nutritional management during pregnancy.

“Gold Standard” Training Comes to China Obstetricians and Gynecologists Reap Significant Benefits

The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG) is the world’s oldest renowned academic authority in obstetrics and gynaecology.One ofAmong these, the Membership of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (MRCOG) specialist examination is widely recognized as the gold standard in the industry.Highly InfluentialMany doctors in Hong Kong and Singapore take pride in participating in RCOG training programs. To strengthen international exchanges and align China’s obstetrics and gynecology field with global standards, the Chinese Medical Doctor Association (CMDA) launched an educational and training program in 2018 to enable Chinese physicians to pursue RCOG specialist certification. This initiative aims to cultivate more Chinese obstetricians and gynecologists who hold both national society credentials and international qualifications. The collaboration between RCOG and CMDA marks the first time RCOG has opened its specialist training program to non-Commonwealth countries. As the exclusive supporter of this project, Bayer has helped broaden the international horizons of Chinese obstetricians and gynecologists, laying a solid foundation for greater specialization, internationalization, and professional authority in the field, thereby propelling China’s obstetrics and gynecology sector forward by a significant leap.

ProjectThe competition was conducted in three phases. The first phase, the “Elevit Cup – International Literature Interpretation Competition in Obstetrics and Gynecology,” commenced in March this year and was held in five cities: Beijing, Guangzhou, Wuhan, Chengdu, and Shanghai. The competition attracted 60 young and middle-aged physicians who competed by providing professional interpretations of the latest international literature in conjunction with their clinical practice. Fifty top-tier national experts served as speakers, mentors, and judges. More than 500 physicians attended in person to show support, learn, and share insights, while over 30,000 physicians watched the live stream online.

Following intense competition, 30 outstanding candidates advanced to the second phase of training, participating in a four-day preparatory course for the MRCOG Part 1 examination. Six experienced international instructors served as lead lecturers, delivering insightful sessions on typical exam questions and practice essays. Feedback from participants indicated that the training content was professional and highly targeted, with explanations presented in an accessible yet thorough manner, proving greatly beneficial for the Part 1 exam. Upon completion of the course, 15 candidates sat for the MRCOG Part 1 examination in July.

The third phase, the RCOG special session held at the Annual Conference of the Chinese Medical Doctor Association’s Obstetrics and Gynecology Branch, brought the “2019 Chinese Medical Doctor Association–RCOG International Specialist Training Program” to a successful conclusion. Professor Duan Tao, Co-Chair of the RCOG Special Session, stated at the meeting: “Women’s health is one of the important cornerstones of population health. Obstetricians and gynecologists play a pivotal role in this regard. Through today’s ‘Introduction to the RCOG Specialist Training Program and Sharing of International Advances in Obstetrics and Gynecology,’ we have recognized that China boasts a cohort of core obstetrics and gynecology professionals with solid knowledge and proficient skills. They will play a significant role in expanding the international influence of China’s obstetrics and gynecology field and promoting its alignment with international academic standards. The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG) enjoys a prestigious reputation both domestically and internationally. We hope that the continued implementation of this program will further enhance the capabilities of young physicians dedicated to obstetrics and gynecology, facilitate the rapid introduction of the latest international research advances and cutting-edge academic concepts into China, and thereby safeguard the health of women across the country.”

Popularizing Maternal and Child Health Knowledge Emphasize Nutritional Health During Pregnancy

Maternal and child health is the foundation of national health. In the new era, maternal and child health faces new challenges. Birth defects not only severely affect children's life, health, and quality of life but also impact the overall health quality of the population. With the adjustment and improvement of fertility policies, reproductive demands are gradually being released, leading to an increase in the proportion of advanced maternal age pregnancies, which has consequently exacerbated the issue of birth defects. The recently released "Healthy China Action (2019–2030)" explicitly proposes implementing the "Health Knowledge Popularization Action" and the "Maternal and Child Health Promotion Action." It requires medical professionals to actively conduct health science education so that individuals of appropriate age can master knowledge on the prevention and control of birth defects and early childhood development. The goal is to effectively control severe birth defects such as congenital heart disease, Down syndrome, deafness, neural tube defects, and thalassemia by 2030. Health science education will also be incorporated into the performance evaluations of hospitals and doctors, as well as the professional title assessments of medical personnel.

In this regard, Professor Yu Kang, Director of the Department of Health Medicine and Director of the Department of Clinical Nutrition at Peking Union Medical College Hospital, shared specific techniques for physicians to effectively communicate scientific health information. Using rational nutrition during pregnancy as an example, he stated, “A balanced diet is particularly crucial for expectant mothers. For them, dietary intake during pregnancy equals that of a normal adult plus additional nutrients required for special needs. Calculated over a period of 3 months preconception and 10 months of pregnancy, the total food consumption by an expectant mother can reach 1.5 tons. Before conception, women should conduct a simple assessment of their nutritional status and dietary habits to understand their overall preconception health and make timely adjustments. The body mass index (BMI) of expectant mothers should be maintained between 18.5 and 23.9 before pregnancy, with weight gain during pregnancy kept within the range of 11.5–16 kg. As folate requirements gradually increase after conception, a daily intake of 0.8 mg of folic acid can effectively prevent neural tube defects and other birth defects. Additionally, expectant mothers need appropriate supplementation of calcium, iron, dietary fiber, and other nutrients. Therefore, it is recommended that while consuming milk, fruits, iron-rich foods, and whole grains, women should also take multivitamin supplements containing 0.8 mg of folic acid from three months before conception through the lactation period to meet physiological needs. Meanwhile, they should avoid unhealthy diets and prevent excessive nutrient intake.”

Ms. Yao Qihua, Head of Brand Marketing for Bayer Consumer Health China, stated, “Bayer is honored to participate as the exclusive supporter in the first year of this international initiative. Through a series of activities—including the ‘Elevit Cup International Literature Interpretation Competition in Obstetrics and Gynecology,’ ‘MRCOG Part 1 Pre-exam Training,’ and ‘RCOG International Academic Advances Sharing in Obstetrics and Gynecology’—we are working hand in hand with the Chinese Medical Doctor Association (CMDA) to promote international academic exchange and sharing among Chinese obstetricians and gynecologists. As an innovative enterprise with a history spanning over 150 years, Bayer possesses core competencies in health and nutrition within the life sciences sector. We remain committed to self-care, dedicating ourselves to collaborating with all sectors of society to strengthen and promote health education, enhance the professional knowledge of medical professionals and healthcare workers in China, and improve the health awareness and health literacy of the Chinese public. We look forward to establishing a long-term strategic partnership with the CMDA to help Chinese obstetricians and gynecologists keep abreast of domestic and international academic advances, align China’s obstetrics and gynecology field with international academic standards, and provide more opportunities for young Chinese physicians to study and further their education abroad. In the future, Bayer will continue to focus on women’s health, leveraging continuous innovation and collaborations with professional associations and public welfare organizations to elevate the professional competence of Chinese physicians, ultimately benefiting consumers in China.”

About Bayer

As a multinational corporation, Bayer possesses core competencies in health and nutrition within the life sciences sector. The company is committed to helping people overcome the major challenges posed by global population growth and aging through its products and services, thereby benefiting humanity. Meanwhile, the Group enhances profitability and creates value through technological innovation and business growth. Bayer is dedicated to sustainable development. Globally, the Bayer brand stands for trust, reliability, and quality. In the 2018 fiscal year, Bayer had approximately 117,000 employees, with sales amounting to €39.6 billion, capital expenditures of €2.6 billion, and research and development investments of €5.2 billion. For more information, please seewww.bayer.com。

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