The meeting commenced with a warm welcome by the Provost of the College of Health Sciences, Professor Alfred Edwin Yawson, who expressed appreciation for the visit by the delegates from Duke University. He reiterated the College’s enthusiasm for international collaboration, particularly in the areas of research, training, and faculty development. There was a round of introductions by all attendees from both Duke University and the College of Health Sciences, including representatives from various Schools under CHS.
The Provost asserted that the College is deeply committed to advancing its internationalisation agenda and highlighted key opportunities available for research partnerships, faculty exchange, cross-cultural student exchange programmes, and joint academic initiatives. He emphasized the College’s interest in establishing Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) with global educational institutions to promote sustainable collaboration tailored to the mutual interests of both parties.
Faculty from Duke University explored possibilities for internship and residency opportunities for Duke University students at the University of Ghana. It was noted that the duration for internships usually ranged from two weeks to one year, depending on the nature and requirements of the programme. The College indicated its readiness to issue invitation letters within a short timeframe to facilitate the internship process.
The Provost briefed the delegates about existing framework for faculty exchange and welcomed the idea of hosting Black-American faculty members from Duke University to contribute to teaching and mentorship in the University of Ghana. Prof. Yawson spelt out that the University of Ghana offers appointments to practicing surgeons and visiting scholars, subject to institutional guidelines.
The issue of volunteering and clinical access was clarified that visiting students who may not be directly involved in patient care may be granted access to Korle Bu Teaching Hospital (KBTH) without the need for regulatory approval, however, for clinical engagements involving direct patient care, prior permission is required from the Medical and Dental Council of Ghana, and visitors must provide proof of qualifications, licenses, and insurance coverage.
The delegates from Duke University also expressed interest in donating medications and medical equipment to the University and its affiliate hospitals. It was advised that such efforts be coordinated through the Director of Medical Affairs at KBTH, and that CHS would be pleased to facilitate connections with regional and district hospitals to support healthcare delivery.
A brief overview of Ghana’s healthcare delivery system was provided which involves Polyclinics and hospitals offering primary care services, with community nurses and physicians serving key roles in both facility-based and home-based care communities through CHPS compounds, maternity homes, and community outreach programmes.
On the frontiers of collaboration and partnership, Duke University will prepare a working document outlining potential areas of collaboration and share it with the University of Ghana for consideration. A faculty of Duke University proposed engagement with the Duke University Black Alumni network for further collaboration on grantsmanship and joint research funding, potentially beginning with a virtual meeting to discuss next steps.
Both institutions expressed optimism that this engagement will lead to long-term, mutually beneficial partnerships in research, teaching, student development, and healthcare innovation.
For more picture click Here