U.S. surgeons have noted a substantial increase in the number of pediatric surgeons in Liberia, with Dr. Marc Downing emphasizing resources as the critical challenge. Collaborative efforts with institutions like Western Michigan University aim to enhance surgical training and capacity in the country. Local surgeons, including Dr. Williefrank Benson, are dedicated to improving pediatric care and encourage timely interventions for children’s surgical needs.
Recent visits from U.S. surgeons have highlighted a significant growth in surgical capabilities in Liberia, specifically regarding the increasing number of practicing pediatric surgeons. Dr. Marc Downing expressed satisfaction with this growth, noting that the primary challenges now lie not in the number of physicians, but rather in the lack of essential materials, nursing staff, and healthcare infrastructure. He emphasized the need for greater resources and support to nurture this burgeoning surgical community.
Dr. Downing has been involved in Liberian healthcare since 2008, following a humanitarian mission to perform surgery on conjoined twins. His efforts were catalyzed by Dr. Emmanuel Ekyinabah, who contacted him regarding children in need of complex surgical care. Over the years, Dr. Downing has developed a close partnership with local health institutions, notably through collaboration with the John F. Kennedy Medical Center and the A.M. Dogliotti College of Medicine.
In 2018, a formal partnership was established between Western Michigan University and JFK Medical Center to enhance surgical training in Liberia. This initiative aims to increase surgical capacity while providing American trainees exposure to surgical practices in resource-limited settings. Dr. Downing and his team have committed to annual visits, marking their third engagement this year, during which they operated in multiple hospitals across several counties.
During the latest visit, Dr. Downing, along with surgical residents, performed approximately 50 surgeries collaboratively with Liberian surgeons at several healthcare facilities. This experience not only enriched the skills of the local surgeons but also provided valuable learning opportunities for the visiting residents, who expressed the profound impact this experience had on their professional trajectories.
Dr. Williefrank Benson, a newly trained pediatric surgeon in Liberia, expressed his commitment to improving pediatric care in the country and addressing misconceptions about surgical interventions for children. He noted that pediatric surgeons are rare in Liberia and encouraged parents to seek timely surgical care for their children. This sentiment reflects a growing awareness of the importance of pediatric surgery and the need for immediate care in surgical issues among the youth.
The presence of U.S. surgeons in Liberia underscores a pivotal shift in healthcare capabilities, particularly in pediatric surgery. Enhanced partnerships between institutions and the commitment of local surgeons, like Dr. Benson, reveal a promising future for the country’s medical landscape. It is crucial to address resource shortages to fully capitalize on the potential of Liberia’s surgical community and ensure that children receive timely medical care.
Original Source: www.liberianobserver.com
