Charting a New Course: Korle-Bu, Florida, and the Future of Thoracic Surgery in Ghana
Thoracic surgery in Ghana has a rich history, dating back to its inception in 1964 and its revival in 1989 by Dr. Frimpong-Boateng. Despite significant challenges, including financial constraints and limited access to advanced diagnostic tools, the field has made remarkable strides. As a respiratory therapist with a strong inclination towards cardiopulmonary medicine, I have always been drawn to the complexities of cardiothoracic surgery. However, my journey, like the history of cardiothoracic surgery in Ghana, has not been without its share of doubts and doubters.
When I decided to pursue entrance into the graduate medicine degree program at the University of Ghana Medical School, many questioned my choice. Later, when I chose to specialize in cardiothoracic surgery instead of the more conventional internal medicine specialties like cardiology and pulmonology, the skepticism continued. The objections grew louder when I expressed my desire to attend international conferences such as the General Thoracic Surgical Club (GTSC) Annual Meeting. Critics argued that my contribution at the meeting would be minimal in spite of the fact that I was presenting my findings on a scientometric analysis of ‘Thoracic Surgery Research in Low and Middle-Income Countries.’
Fortunately, with the unwavering support of the Dean of my medical school, my parents, and my basic science lecturers, I persevered. Now, having returned from the GTSC Annual Meeting, I am grateful for their encouragement. This experience has been the most significant milestone in my professional journey, reaffirming my commitment to advancing thoracic surgery in Ghana.
This journey of purpose across continents began on March 3rd, 2025, as my flight departed Ghana at 9:15 am, bound for Florida. After fifteen hours of travel, the warm welcome I received at the airport was a striking contrast to the long flight. Airport staff, recognizing my foreign status, immediately extended a helping hand, providing invaluable information about the city. Their enthusiasm, coupled with detailed directions and vibrant images of Florida’s beautiful beaches and landscapes, painted a vivid picture of the destination. Even the taxi driver, a veritable local historian, offered a captivating overview of Fort Myers’ history, socioeconomics, and political landscape, ensuring my first impressions of the Sunshine State were nothing short of extraordinary. This warm welcome inspired me even more to advocate for investment in Ghana’s tourism industry and the sharing of our rich culture. Experiencing firsthand how effectively Florida showcased its attractions and heritage, I realized the immense potential Ghana holds. By promoting our unique cultural identity and natural beauty, we can attract international visitors, boost our economy, and elevate Ghana’s global profile.
GTSC, a prestigious meeting gathers thoracic surgeons from around the globe to share research, foster collaboration, and explore advancements in their field. As the sole international attendee, I was particularly honoured to participate.The meeting featured insightful presentations and cutting-edge device showcases from leading medical technology companies. I gained firsthand experience with state-of-the-art surgical technology. Representatives Matt Pete, Eileen Gonzalez, and Kala Buganski from Intuitive, pioneers in robotic-assisted surgery and the makers of the Da Vinci 5 surgical system, provided an in-depth demonstration of their latest model. This advanced technology, utilized by a select group of surgeons worldwide, enables complex and life-saving procedures. I also had the privilege of operating the Ion bronchoscopy system, the only platform utilizing shape sensing for precise navigation and biopsy, under the guidance of Intuitive’s team.
Additionally, I explored the robotic bronchoscopy system by Noah Medical, facilitated by their representatives Andrew Bailey and Maurice Veissi. The functionalities of this system were notably similar to the Ion bronchoscopy, highlighting the ongoing innovation in this critical area of thoracic surgery. This experience provided invaluable insights into the latest advancements in thoracic surgery and reinforced the importance of bringing such technologies and knowledge to low and middle-income countries. The skills and knowledge I gained will undoubtedly contribute to enhancing surgical practices and patient outcomes in our country Ghana.
The GTSC conference organisers demonstrated the power of integrating tourism with professional events, creating a memorable experience for attendees through activities like boat rides, fishing, and kayaking in Bonita Springs. Ghana can leverage this approach to not only enhance the appeal of its conferences but also to drive tourism and showcase its unique cultural identity. By actively collaborating with conference organizers, the National Tourism Ministry can effectively market Ghana’s cultural and natural treasures, attracting international visitors and solidifying our position as a leading conference destination in Africa. Similar initiatives exist in Rwanda where most international conferences partner directly with the tourism body to showcase “the heart of Africa’s” riches.
I was struck by the limited awareness of Ghana’s progress, particularly in medical and surgical advancements. This certainly highlights a significant opportunity to elevate Ghana’s global profile and showcase our nation’s achievements and beauty to a wider audience.
I have come back from this trip even more determined to advocate for cardiothoracic surgery in Ghana. The specialty faces significant challenges, primarily financial. The high cost of procedures places them beyond the reach of most Ghanaians, leading to reliance on philanthropy and delayed treatment. While political stability and economic growth have aided program sustainability, geographical access and diagnostic limitations persist, particularly in northern regions. The national health insurance scheme’s exclusion of cardiothoracic care further exacerbates the issue. Crucially, a major area needing urgent attention is the advancement of research. Ghana must accelerate its efforts to catch up with global standards by embracing cutting-edge approaches such as minimally invasive techniques, robotic-assisted surgery, immunotherapy and targeted treatments, moving beyond traditional surgical methods. Increased investment in research infrastructure and capacity building is essential to ensure Ghana can provide state-of-the-art thoracic care and improve patient outcomes. Additionally, the Ghanaian cardiothoracic community should further develop its partnerships with industry partners akin to the collaboration between GTSC and Intuitive or Noah Medical.
“We urgently need a surge in these areas to bridge this divide and ensure that Ghanaians all over the country have access to the life-saving thoracic surgical care they deserve.”
Today, more than ever, I am convinced that advancing thoracic surgery in Ghana hinges on the active participation of medical students and residents. These future Ghanaian cardiothoracic surgeons should prioritize research into adapting modern treatments, pursue practical training in advanced technologies, including robotic surgery workshops both domestically and internationally, foster international collaborations, and advocate for national health insurance coverage of thoracic procedures. These collective efforts will elevate patient care and drive progress in the field. We urgently need a surge in these areas to bridge this divide and ensure that Ghanaians all over the country have access to the life-saving thoracic surgical care they deserve.
The University of Ghana Medical School’s support for this remarkable educational trip has been instrumental in my professional growth. I am deeply thankful for this opportunity, which has profoundly inspired my pursuit of excellence as an aspiring surgeon dedicated to Ghana’s healthcare system. My heartfelt gratitude goes to Professor Yvonne Dei-Adomako, Dean of the University of Ghana Medical School and Professor Alfred Yawson, Provost of the College of Health Sciences of the University of Ghana for their unwavering support and encouragement, which are truly a gift to the institution.
Last week, I was honored to receive an invitation from the GTSC leadership to become an international member. Taking up this opportunity, I hope to help Ghana achieve parity with global healthcare standards, ensuring that access to fair, affordable, efficient, and excellent healthcare is not a privilege reserved for a few, but a fundamental right for every citizen, regardless of background or social standing.
