Significant Growth in Surgical Care in Liberia: Insights from U.S. Surgeons
The presence of U.S. surgeons reveals significant growth in Liberia’s surgical capabilities, particularly in pediatrics. Dr. Marc Downing emphasizes that the main challenges now center on resources rather than the number of surgeons. Ongoing partnerships enhance the training of local practitioners, promising improvements in healthcare delivery for children.
Visiting U.S. surgeons report a significant increase in the number of Liberian surgeons. Dr. Marc Downing, an American pediatric surgeon, noted that this growth represents a positive shift in Liberia’s healthcare sector since his first visit in 2008. He emphasized that the primary challenges now are related to resources, nursing staff, and healthcare infrastructure rather than the number of practicing surgeons.
According to the Liberia College of Physicians and Surgeons, there are currently 21 pediatricians actively practicing, indicating an encouraging trend. Dr. Downing, who serves as a clinical assistant professor at Western Michigan University, has extensive experience in the medical field and has been working closely with Liberian physicians since 2008 after his involvement in surgeries for children with complex medical needs.
On his initial trip to Liberia, Dr. Downing performed surgeries on two children with an imperforate anus, whose medical costs were conclusively managed by charitable medical coverage. This experience led to his ongoing engagement with the healthcare system in Liberia and helped establish key partnerships between Western Michigan University and Liberian medical institutions.
The collaboration has focused on improving surgical care in Liberia, providing exposure for surgical trainees from the United States to serve alongside their Liberian counterparts. Dr. Downing and his colleagues have made multiple visits to Liberia, including their recent one-month return in February 2022, to perform surgeries at various institutions across the country.
During these missions, Dr. Downing and his team accomplished around 50 operations, working directly with Liberian surgeons to enhance their surgical capabilities. Participants like surgical resident Clayton Wyland and Noemi Mangiamele underscored the profound impact of their experiences on their professional development.
Dr. Williefrank Benson, a returning pediatric surgeon, expressed his commitment to improving children’s health care in Liberia. He highlighted the gap in pediatric surgery expertise in the country and encouraged parents to seek surgical help for their children without delay.
In summary, the growth of surgical care in Liberia is evident with the increase in trained pediatric surgeons. However, challenges related to resources and healthcare infrastructure remain pressing issues. Collaborations with U.S. medical professionals enhance the skill set of Liberian surgeons, paving the way for improved healthcare delivery. This partnership symbolizes hope for the future of pediatric surgery in Liberia, with local practitioners eager to contribute to the country’s medical landscape.
Original Source: www.liberianobserver.com
