Colposcopy Training Masterclass in Riga

At the end of October, the Riga Stradins University (RSU) Institute of Public Health hosted a masterclass for colposcopy training specialists as part of the project Implementation of cancer screening programmes (EUCanScreen). The training brought together doctors, specialists, and lecturers from several European countries to enhance their knowledge and skills in key colposcopy methods and the training of healthcare professionals.

The training, which took place at Riga East Clinical University Hospital, was attended by 12 participants from Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia, Sweden, and Ukraine. The training sessions were led by three European experts in colposcopy – Assoc. Prof. Jana Zodzika (Latvia; Riga East Clinical University Hospital, Riga Stradins University), Ameli Trope, Head of the Norwegian Cervical Cancer Screening Centre, and Cecilia Karrberg, leading colposcopy specialist at Sahlgrenska University Hospital in Sweden and Chair of the Swedish Colposcopy Society.

The course consisted of both theoretical and practical components, providing colposcopy experts with up-to-date knowledge on the latest trends in adult education. Participants also enhanced their skills in providing feedback, assessments, and recommendations to trainees.

The EUCanScreen project comprises three international colposcopy training courses held in Norway, Latvia, and Slovenia. The training in Norway took place in September, the one in Latvia in October, and the final course in Slovenia is planned for December. This training forms part of the project’s work package dedicated to the education of cervical cancer screening specialists, coordinated by the Norwegian Cervical Cancer Screening Centre under the leadership of Ameli Trope.

The aim of the course is to train colposcopy training ambassadors across various European countries so that they can establish a structured and high-quality colposcopy training system in their respective regions. This will help ensure a consistent, evidence-based, and high-standard colposcopy practice throughout Europe. Colposcopy is an essential diagnostic method that is performed when cervical screening tests show abnormal results. It plays a crucial role in the accurate diagnosis and removal of precancerous cervical changes, thereby helping to reduce both the incidence and mortality of cervical cancer. The course is designed to enhance participants’ teaching and feedback skills, focusing on both theoretical knowledge and practical application.

The training materials were developed in collaboration with the World Health Organization’s International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) and have been published on its online platform, making them accessible to professionals worldwide. This ensures not only a consistent approach but also the long-term sustainability and quality of the training.