Accra College of Medicine Celebrates 10 Years of Medical Education

The Accra College of Medicine (ACM) recently celebrated its 10th anniversary with a symposium themed 'A decade of excellence in medical education. Celebrating a legacy, shaping the future.' The university's President, Prof. Afua Adwo Jectey Hesse, expressed joy about the institution's progress, citing its growth from humble beginnings to a reputable medical school. Prof. Hesse attributed the university's establishment to a concern raised by her son about the limited capacity of existing medical institutions in Ghana.

According to Prof. Hesse, the idea for the university was born out of a need to accommodate the growing number of students interested in studying medicine. She advised students to focus on their studies, assuring them that there was a future for them if they took their education seriously. The university has made significant progress, with Prof. Hesse noting that it now boasts over 25,000 documents, a substantial collection compared to its modest beginnings.

Prof. Hesse reflected on her own medical practice days, when practitioners had limited resources and were expected to cater to their families while discharging their duties as doctors. She emphasized that ACM is committed to training students to pursue excellence and make a positive impact on the lives of others with compassion, empathy, and enthusiasm. The university's goal is to produce well-rounded medical professionals who can make a difference in their communities.

Dr. Eli Atikpui, Director of Institutional Advancement, Standards and External Relations, described the decision to establish ACM as a bold step. He noted that as the first private medical institution in Ghana, the Medical and Dental Council required the founders to respond to a detailed questionnaire, which they successfully completed. Dr. Atikpui expressed satisfaction that the university had met the necessary standards and was now a reputable institution.

Prof. Alfred E. Yawson, a Consultant Public Health Physician at Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, who was also a panel member, indicated that he was not surprised by the university's achievements. He noted that Prof. and Mrs. Hesse, the co-founders of ACM, were his lecturers at the University of Ghana Medical School, and he had witnessed their dedication to medical education.

The 10th anniversary symposium provided a platform for stakeholders to reflect on the university's progress and discuss its future plans. The event brought together medical professionals, academics, and students to share ideas and experiences. The university's achievements over the past decade are a testament to the vision and commitment of its founders and leadership.

As ACM looks to the future, it is poised to continue playing a significant role in medical education in Ghana. The university's emphasis on excellence, compassion, and community service aligns with the needs of the country's healthcare sector. With its growing reputation and commitment to producing well-rounded medical professionals, ACM is likely to remain a key player in shaping the future of medical education in Ghana.

Key points

• The Accra College of Medicine has grown significantly over the past decade, with a substantial collection of over 25,000 documents.
• The university's founders, Prof. and Mrs. Hesse, were driven by a desire to address the limited capacity of existing medical institutions in Ghana.
• ACM is committed to training students to pursue excellence and make a positive impact on the lives of others with compassion, empathy, and enthusiasm.