Didn’t it all start with a plan in 1919? The University of Ghana Medical School. It is a cornerstone of medical education in Ghana. It stands as a beacon of hope for aspiring healthcare professionals. Let’s uncover the story of this esteemed institution.
The University of Ghana Medical School is also known as UGMS. It is the medical school of Ghana’s first public research institution. That is the University of Ghana. Currently, it resides at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital in Accra. The school’s story began with a vision in 1919. Sir Frederick Gordon Guggisberg planned to establish a medical school. This was after the establishment of the Korle Bu Hospital. The idea was abandoned when Guggisberg left office.
Renewed interest sparked in 1951. A technical team from the University of London assessed the scheme. They looked at staffing and facilities needed for a medical school. In 1952, a government commission suggested postponing the school indefinitely. By 1955, the colonial government invited the University College of the Gold Coast. They also invited the Kumasi College of Technology. They examined options to start a medical school. Medical courses would be introduced step by step. This was originally espoused by the University of London delegation in 1951.
In 1956, the University Council Committee suggested other ways to found the school. The recommendations included an annual enrollment of 20 to 25 students. It also suggested establishing four pre-clinical departments at the University College of the Gold Coast, Legon. The Korle Bu Hospital would be upgraded to a teaching hospital. By 1960, there was still no pathway. Korle Bu was not equipped for clinical training. Funds were unavailable for its expansion. The Nkrumah government sought assistance from the Kennedy administration.
The US government appointed a team. Physician Paul Connerlly led the team. They reviewed previous assessments. This team suggested a National Medical and Health Training Centre. The medical school would function under this centre. The government accepted these recommendations. In 1962, USAID recommended subsidiaries for the National Medical and Health Training Centre. These included a medical school, a school of nursing and a dental school. Also a school of medical technology, a postgraduate school and research facilities centre.
The medical school would be financially independent. It would have its own council. The University of Ghana would be its parent institution. It would award medical degrees. The curriculum would be American-based. Sixth formers would undergo a two-year pre-medical science course. In October 1962, the foundation class of 51 premedical students were admitted.
In February 1964, Ghana’s first president relied on domestic funding and manpower. A study tour at the University of Lagos and University of Ibadan medical schools was used for feasibility studies. In October 1964, 41 students enrolled in preclinical training. Indigenous doctors were their lecturers. The pioneering class of 39 medical students graduated in June 1969. By the end of 1968, the Ghana medical school became semi-autonomous. It was under the University of Ghana. It assumed a new name. The University of Ghana Medical School.
The school’s mission focuses on learning, research and knowledge dissemination. The college aims to train broad-based generalist practitioners. It trains practitioners attuned to the needs of their environment. It also trains practitioners who accept responsibility for self-learning.
The school curriculum has gone through periodic reviews. In 1992, a biomedical science bachelor’s degree was introduced. This is now a prerequisite for clinical training. The length of the medical course was reduced to six years. A new curriculum was introduced in 2009. A clinical skills and simulation centre was established.
The first batch of students in 1964 had 41 students. By 1973, the number had risen to 53 students. In 1999, 94 students matriculated. With two streams in 2006/07, intake rose to 195 per year. In 2011, enrollment was 150 per year. The school strives for gender parity in admissions.
The University of Ghana Medical School remains committed. It is devoted to excellence, innovation and service. It shapes the future of medicine in Africa and beyond.