Growth of Surgical Care in Liberia: Insights from U.S. Surgeons

Visiting American surgeons have noted significant growth in Liberian surgical care, with an increase in local pediatricians. While the number of qualified surgeons rises, challenges in resources and infrastructure persist. Collaborative efforts aim to enhance surgical practices and address critical healthcare needs in Liberia. Dr. Williefrank Benson highlights the importance of timely interventions for pediatric patients, advocating for increased awareness and access to surgical care.

Recent exchanges between visiting American surgeons and local practitioners in Liberia have revealed significant advancements in the nation’s surgical care. Dr. Marc Downing, an American pediatric surgeon, expressed satisfaction with the growing number of local surgeons, particularly pediatricians, emphasizing that the primary challenges now lie in the availability of materials, nursing support, and healthcare infrastructure, rather than the absence of medical professionals.

The Liberia College of Physicians and Surgeons (LCPS) currently recognizes 21 pediatricians, showcasing an increase since Dr. Downing’s first visit in 2008. He noted the contribution of established practitioners like Dr. Angeline Killen and Dr. Bedee Duworko Gbozee, illustrating a promising trend in healthcare capacity within the country. Dr. Downing has been affiliated with various hospitals in the U.S. and has dedicated over twenty years to pediatric surgery, enhancing surgical training and cooperation with Liberian surgeons.

Dr. Downing’s journey to Liberia began after he performed surgery on conjoined twins in the U.S., led by Dr. Emmanuel Ekyinabah’s outreach initiative. He shared experiences where children, flown to the U.S. for surgical intervention, were cared for by host families during their recovery, highlighting the collaborative efforts between U.S. and Liberian medical communities.

His subsequent visits to Liberia were not only personal but were aimed at fostering a sustainable partnership in surgical training with the John F. Kennedy Medical Center, begun in 2018. This initiative opened avenues for Liberian surgeons to enhance their methods and skills through exposure to advanced surgical practices, supporting surgical trainees from the U.S. in the process. Dr. Downing confirmed that as part of this collaboration, they have consistently visited Liberia since 2019, conducting surgeries across several counties and developing invaluable partnerships with local medical staff.

During their recent one-month visit, Dr. Downing and his team performed approximately 50 surgeries, allowing Liberian surgeons to engage and refine their techniques on complex cases. Fellow surgeons Noemi Mangiamele and Clayton Wyland noted the profound impact of their experiences in Liberia and their collaborative work with local colleagues.

Dr. Williefrank Benson, a Liberian pediatric surgeon trained abroad, expressed his commitment to contributing to children’s health in Liberia. He emphasized the nascent state of pediatric surgery in the country and urged parents to seek timely medical assistance for their children, countering the myth that children must wait until they are older for surgical interventions.

As Liberia’s surgical capacity continues to grow, it is evident that collaborative efforts between local and visiting surgeons are essential in addressing critical healthcare needs and providing the necessary resources for effective patient care.

In summary, the landscape of surgical care in Liberia is witnessing a transformative phase, primarily marked by an increase in local pediatric surgeons. While there is notable progress, significant challenges remain regarding healthcare resources and infrastructure. Collaborative initiatives between American and Liberian surgeons offer a constructive pathway to enhance surgical skills and services in Liberia, ultimately benefiting the local population. Dr. Benson’s emphasis on timely medical care for children underscores the urgent need for awareness and accessibility in pediatric surgery.

Original Source: www.liberianobserver.com