MONROVIA — The Liberia College of Physicians and Surgeons (LCPS) has launched its Faculty of Orthopedics and Traumatology, bringing to 11 the number of faculties under its postgraduate specialist and fellowship training programs.
The launch, held Monday, coincided with the orientation of the faculty’s first three fellows, comprising two men and one woman, all specialist general surgeons who will undergo advanced training in orthopedics and traumatology.
The new faculty is expected to strengthen Liberia’s capacity to produce specialist orthopedic consultants locally, particularly amid growing cases of road traffic accidents and physical assaults that require specialized medical care.
Orthopedics and traumatology focus on the diagnosis, treatment and management of conditions affecting the bones, joints, muscles, nerves and tendons, including injuries resulting from accidents and other forms of trauma.
Declaring the faculty officially open, LCPS Assistant Secretary General Dr. Benetta Collins-Andrews urged the fellows to remain committed to their studies and fully submit themselves to the clinical training and supervision at the John F. Kennedy Medical Center (JFK), the designated clinical training institution.
Dr. Collins-Andrews commended veteran orthopedic surgeon Prof. Dr. Robert M. Kpoto for spearheading the establishment of the faculty. She also acknowledged the contributions of Nigerian consultants for their collaboration, continued support and willingness to provide technical assistance to the program.
She explained that while JFK will be responsible for the clinical training of the fellows, LCPS will provide policy oversight to ensure that the program meets the college’s established training standards.
Earlier, speaking during the orientation, Dr. Lawuobah Gbozee, Acting Head of JFK’s Orthopedic Unit, said the exercise was intended to familiarize the fellows with the program’s structure, objectives, duration and professional expectations.
He outlined the major areas of clinical rotations, including trauma, spine surgery, hand surgery, foot and ankle surgery, joint replacement, pediatric orthopedics, orthopedic oncology, and shoulder and elbow surgery.
Beyond clinical specialization, the fellows are expected to develop competencies in patient assessment, diagnosis, clinical decision-making, leadership, research methodology and effective communication.
The fellowship program will run for 36 months, culminating in written, clinical and oral examinations, as well as a dissertation. Fellows must successfully complete all examination requirements to qualify for the award of a fellowship in Orthopedics and Traumatology.
The launch marks an expansion of Liberia’s postgraduate medical training opportunities, with the new faculty expected to contribute to the development of locally trained specialists in a critical area of healthcare.
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