The University of Health and Allied Sciences (UHAS) hosted its eighth inaugural lecture for Professor Yaw Asante Awuku. He is a Professor of Medicine and Gastroenterology. Professor Awuku also serves as the Dean of the UHAS School of Medicine. The lecture recognised his extensive contributions to medical education and healthcare. He joined UHAS in 2019. Previously, he was at the University of Cape Coast. Professor Awuku has authored about 90 publications. These have garnered 3,385 citations. He is known for promoting public knowledge on hepatitis. He also advances healthcare discussions. Professor Awuku is the Vice President of the Hepatitis Society of Ghana.
Professor Awuku's lecture was titled “From Bedside to Academia: A Clinician-Scholar's Role in Advancing Medical Education and Gastroenterology Practice.” He called for a significant change in how medical doctors are trained. This is to better match current trends. It should also meet healthcare demands. Medical students need to learn critical thinking. Simulation and case-based learning are vital. Medical training institutions must prepare graduates. They need to be ready for team-based care. They should also be proficient in technology-enabled and compassionate care. Student assessments should focus on knowledge application. They should also evaluate patient relationships.
Professor Awuku proposed a new project. It is titled “Future Proofing Healthcare System in Ghana.” This project aims to tackle challenges. These include access and sustainability in Ghana's health sector. He suggested developing a Ghana health sustainability index. This would use Ghana's own indicators. It would identify priority areas. Professor Awuku also called for a dashboard. This dashboard would display key health indices. It would cover all 16 regions of Ghana. A quarterly or yearly review would identify gaps. This would allow for targeted improvements.
UHAS is working with international partners. This includes Worldwide Radiology. They have launched the Ghana Point of Care Ultrasound Partnership. This project improves access to essential diagnostic imaging. It also combats severe equipment shortages. Staff are trained in low-middle income settings. A Centre for Point of Care Ultrasound Training was established at UHAS in 2021. This centre helps train and integrate Point of Care ultrasound in Ghana. Over 40 doctors have been empowered to improve patient care. Six trainers have become clinical advocates. They are the first generation of Point-of-Care Ultrasound leaders in Ghana. This secures the programme's long-term sustainability.
Professor Awuku believes health professional training should be based on integration, innovation, and inspiration. Clinical wisdom must blend with academic frameworks. Local insights need to merge with global knowledge. Science must connect with impact. Innovation is also essential. Digital tools can enhance teaching. This includes gastrointestinal endoscopes. Curricula should be developed with students. Multidisciplinary team-based care modules are needed. Inspiration is the driving force. Students should be inspired to be care-driven. Policymakers need motivation for bold action. Professionals must continue learning and questioning.