The Liberia College of Physicians and Surgeons (LCPS) have launched its Faculty of Orthopedics and Traumatology, marking a significant step toward strengthening specialist healthcare training in Liberia.
The new faculty becomes the eleventh postgraduate training faculty under the LCPS and begins its activities with the admission and orientation of its first cohort of three fellows in training. The pioneering class comprises two male and one female specialist general surgeons who will undergo advanced fellowship training in orthopedics and traumatology.
The establishment of the faculty is expected to enhance Liberia’s capacity to train orthopedic consultants locally, addressing the growing demand for specialized care, particularly as cases of road traffic injuries and trauma-related conditions continue to rise.
Orthopedics and traumatology focus on the diagnosis, treatment, and management of disorders affecting the bones, joints, muscles, tendons, ligaments, and nerves. The new program aims to equip Liberian physicians with the expertise required to provide advanced care while reducing dependence on overseas specialist training.
Speaking during the launch and orientation ceremony, LCPS Assistant Secretary General, Dr. Benetta Collins-Andrews, urged the resident doctors to remain committed to their studies and fully engage in the rigorous clinical training process.
She emphasized the importance of adhering to professional standards and taking advantage of the learning opportunities available at the John F. Kennedy Medical Center (JFK), the designated clinical training site for the program.
Dr. Collins-Andrews also commended veteran orthopedic surgeon Prof. Dr. Robert M. Kpoto for leading efforts to establish the faculty. She further acknowledged the contribution of Nigerian orthopedic consultants whose collaboration and technical support helped make the initiative possible.
According to her, while JFK Medical Center will oversee the clinical component of the training, LCPS will maintain policy oversight to ensure compliance with established academic and professional standards.
Earlier, Dr. Lawuobah Gbozee, Acting Head of the Orthopedic Unit at JFK, said the orientation was designed to acquaint the fellows with the structure, objectives, duration, and expectations of the program.
He explained that trainees will rotate through several specialty areas, including trauma surgery, spinal surgery, hand surgery, foot and ankle surgery, joint replacement, pediatric orthopedics, orthopedic oncology, and shoulder and elbow surgery.
Beyond clinical skills, fellows will receive training in patient assessment, diagnosis, clinical decision-making, leadership, research methodology, and professional communication.
The fellowship program will run for 36 months and culminate in written, clinical, oral, and dissertation examinations. Successful candidates will be awarded fellowship qualifications in Orthopedics and Traumatology, contributing to the expansion of Liberia’s specialist healthcare workforce and improving access to advanced orthopedic care nationwide.
