Surgery

Department of Surgery is a cornerstone

The Department of Surgery is a cornerstone of the University of Health and Allied Sciences’ mission to produce highly skilled, ethical and compassionate healthcare professionals. As one of the most dynamic and hands-on medical disciplines, surgery demands precision, resilience and a thorough understanding of both the science and art of operative care. Our Department is committed to delivering high-quality education and training in surgical principles, techniques and patient-centred management, ensuring that graduates are fully equipped to meet the challenges of modern surgical practice.

The Department offers a robust and comprehensive curriculum that integrates foundational knowledge in anatomy, physiology and pathology with specialised training in general surgery, orthopaedics, neurosurgery, urology, cardiothoracic surgery, plastic and reconstructive surgery and trauma management. By combining theory with practical exposure, our programme ensures that students not only understand the rationale behind each surgical intervention but can also apply their knowledge with accuracy and confidence in real clinical settings.

Students benefit from access to state-of-the-art simulation laboratories that replicate a variety of surgical environments. These facilities allow for the safe practice of essential skills such as suturing, laparoscopic techniques, endoscopic procedures and trauma resuscitation. Simulation-based training serves as a vital bridge between classroom learning and patient care, enabling students to refine their techniques and decision-making before undertaking supervised clinical procedures.

Clinical rotations form a core part of the training, giving students first-hand experience in operating theatres, surgical wards, outpatient clinics and emergency departments. Under the mentorship of experienced surgeons, students are progressively entrusted with increasing responsibilities, from pre-operative patient assessment and operative planning to intraoperative participation and post-operative management. This continuum of care approach reinforces the importance of holistic patient management and fosters strong clinical reasoning skills.

Innovation and research are integral to the Department’s activities. Faculty and students engage in research projects that address critical issues in surgical practice, from improving patient safety and reducing complications to advancing minimally invasive techniques and developing context-appropriate surgical solutions for resource-limited settings. The Department’s commitment to research ensures that students are trained in evidence-based practice and are able to adapt to emerging technologies and evolving surgical standards.

Furthermore, the Department of Surgery plays an active role in community health initiatives, outreach programmes and surgical camps aimed at providing essential services to underserved populations. These experiences not only strengthen clinical skills but also instil in students a strong sense of social responsibility and the value of equitable healthcare delivery.

Through its blend of rigorous academic instruction, immersive clinical exposure and cutting-edge innovation, the Department of Surgery prepares graduates who are not only competent surgeons but also compassionate professionals dedicated to improving surgical care in Ghana, across Africa and around the world.

Mission 
To provide comprehensive education, training and research in surgical sciences, equipping students with the necessary knowledge, technical skills and ethical principles to excel in surgical practice and innovation. Deliver high quality, compassionate and ethical surgical care that meets the needs of our patients and community. Advance surgical science through innovative research and scholarly contributions. Cultivate leadership, integrity, teamwork and social responsibility among our students, staff and faculty.

Vision 
To be a leading academic surgical department for excellence in surgical education, cutting-edge research and outstanding patient-centered care, while training the next generation of students and surgeons to be skilled, compassionateand globally competitive.

Functions 
The Department of Surgery plays a pivotal role in shaping the next generation of surgeons by ensuring that students acquire not only the technical expertise but also the theoretical depth required for safe, ethical and effective surgical practice. Its functions are designed to blend rigorous academic instruction with immersive, hands-on experience, enabling students to transition seamlessly from the classroom to the operating theatre.

A central function of the Department is the provision of high-quality technical training through simulation-based learning. Students engage in structured exercises that develop fundamental surgical skills such as suturing, knot tying, incision-making, wound closure, laparoscopic manipulation and instrument handling. Simulation training also includes complex procedural scenarios and trauma management drills, preparing students to respond effectively to both routine and high-stakes surgical situations. These simulations serve as a safe and controlled environment where errors become learning opportunities, fostering confidence and competence before students advance to direct patient care.

Following simulation training, students participate in supervised clinical rotations in surgical wards, operating theatres, intensive care units and emergency departments. These rotations expose students to a wide spectrum of surgical cases, from elective procedures to critical emergency interventions. Under close mentorship from experienced surgeons, students progressively take on responsibilities in patient assessment, operative planning, intraoperative participation and post-operative management, reinforcing a holistic understanding of the surgical care continuum.

Research and innovation form another vital function of the Department. Faculty and students collaborate on projects that push the boundaries of surgical science, with an emphasis on minimally invasive techniques, enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocols, surgical infection prevention and the development of cost-effective solutions tailored to resource-limited settings. These initiatives not only contribute to global surgical knowledge but also directly impact patient care within Ghana and the region.

The Department also actively fosters interdisciplinary collaboration, working closely with other medical specialties such as anaesthesia, radiology, internal medicine and critical care to deliver comprehensive, patient-centred treatment plans. This approach ensures that surgical interventions are integrated into broader healthcare strategies, optimising patient outcomes and promoting continuity of care.

Specialised training programmes are an important component of the Department’s functions, offering advanced instruction in trauma care, perioperative medicine and surgical ethics. Trauma care training equips students with the ability to rapidly assess and stabilise critically injured patients, while perioperative medicine focuses on optimising patient health before, during and after surgery. Surgical ethics training ensures that graduates uphold the highest professional standards, navigate complex ethical dilemmas and make decisions grounded in patient welfare.

Finally, the Department is committed to mentorship as a cornerstone of surgical education. Through one-on-one guidance, live surgical demonstrations and exposure to cutting-edge technologies such as robotic-assisted surgery and image-guided procedures, students gain the practical insight and professional discipline required for modern surgical practice. This multifaceted approach ensures that graduates are not only technically proficient but also adaptable, innovative and deeply committed to advancing surgical care in diverse healthcare settings.