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Transcript of Mansag newsletter December 2016 edit-2
World Class Mentoring Tools Strengthening International
Cooperation in Healthcare Medical Missions
Medical Association of Nigerians Across Great Britain Issue 22, December 2016
A nother successful and eventful year is about to end for MANSAG. We continue to
play a role not just within the United Kingdom with conferences, social activities
and representations, but also in Nigeria with medical missions. May the coming year
be even better and more productive.
As the year draws to a close, so also does my voluntary job as the Editor-in-chief of
the MANSAG Newsletter. I am hanging up my camera and putting my keyboard to
rest! It is a role that I have enjoyed doing for the past seven years. I would like to
step aside and allow someone else to take the baton and run with it for the good of an organisation we all love. I
seize this opportunity to thank all the officials I worked with under the leaderships of Dilly Anumba, Jacob Akoh and
our current President, Babatunde Gbolade. My thanks too to all those who contributed articles to enable me pro-
duce so many editions.
Inside this edition, Dr Andrew Alalade shares a recently held meeting of young MANSAG members with other young
generation medical practitioners on page 4. Have you ever wished you could take your medical experience to a dif-
ferent level? Then this edition is for you. Dr Nnamdi Udezue shares his experience as a helicopter emergency doc-
tor with us starting from page 6. The dream of most Nigerians in diaspora is to take their UK acquired training and
expertise back home to Nigeria. Dr Douglas Okor a neurosurgeon did that recently and you can follow his progress
from page 10. Are you contemplating choosing your speciality? Dr Afiniki Ekanet is currently training as a General
Practitioner and tells us why on page 8.
These and other news; including pictures from the October conference makes riveting reading. Enjoy and God
bless!
Chika Norah Udezue signing off!
THE MANSAG NEWSLETTER
D ear members and friends of MANSAG, we
are approaching the end of 2016 with a
sense of achievement and hope for the future of
MANSAG. Our congratulations to the Local Organ-
izing Committee (LOC), ably chaired by Mr Alex
Oboh for organising our well attended and highly
successful 27th Annual Scientific Meeting and AGM
in Hull from 21-23 October 2016. Distinguished
Senator Olanrewaju Tejuoso, Chair of the Senate
Committee on Health, Nigerian National Assembly,
officially opened the meeting and gave the keynote
address. He gave an illuminating speech laced with
a historical perspec-
tive of the intertwin-
ing of Nigeria’s eth-
nic groups’ cultural
and traditional be-
liefs with traditional
medical practices. He
opined that at the
core of both ortho-
dox and Nigerian tra-
ditional medicine is
the desire for good health and a health system
From the President’s Desk
Dr Babatunde Gbolade
MANSAG President
2
that diagnoses and treats patients appropriately
without causing harm. However, he advocated a
significant cultural shift in Nigeria so as not to be
left behind the rest of the world or be deprived of
the benefits of modern medicine with its technolo-
gies.
In keeping with our spirit of collaboration with oth-
er Diaspora Medical and Allied Healthcare Associa-
tions, we invited the Nigerian Medical Association,
Association of Nigerian Physicians in the Americas
and The Canadian Association of Nigerian Physi-
cians and Dentists. We also invited the British As-
sociation of Physicians of Indian Origin, Cameroun
Doctors United Kingdom, The Sudanese Medical
Association (UK & Ireland), East African
Healthcare Forum and Nigerian Radiographers in
Diaspora. They were well represented by their
leaders and contributed immensely to the richness
and diversity of the conference delegates and pro-
ceedings.
We have continued our advocacy work through
engagement with the GMC’s BME Doctor Forum
and other activities. The president attended the
Forum’s meeting with Sir Keith Pearson on 15
September 2016, to discuss and make him aware
of, the fundamental issues of equality and fairness
in Revalidation. The discussion included the roles
of the GMC, local regulation, responsible officers
as well his review of revalidation.
Following the British Prime Minister’s statements
to the BBC Breakfast programme on 04 October
2016 describing overseas doctors as ‘interim
staff’, MANSAG joined other BME medical organi-
sations in publishing a protest letter addressed to
the UK general public, in Pulse magazine:http://
www.pulsetoday.co.uk/views/letters/calling-
overseas-doctors-an-interim-workforce-is-
dangerous/20033074.fullarticle
The president also attended the Forum’s meeting
on 08 November 2016. The agenda items dis-
cussed included the 2016 data on exams and pro-
gression in medical education and training, BME
doctors and international medical graduates in the
GMC’s fitness to practise procedures; statistics
and trends and the findings of the Workforce Ex-
perience survey of SAS doctors. There was also a
closed session exclusively for Forum members to
discuss emerging developments and other issues.
We have improved our Social and Welfare proce-
dures and do commiserate officially with our
members and their families whenever we receive
notice of the death of a member or a member of
their family.
Our engagement with the federal and state gov-
ernments and our commitment to help improve
the provision of healthcare and raise healthcare
standards in Nigeria continue unabated. We were
pleased to be invited, along with allied health care
professionals, to meet with the Chairperson of the
Senate Committee on Diaspora and Non-
Governmental Organisations, Senator Dr Rose O.
Oko and her delegation at the Nigeria High Com-
mission on Sunday 20 November 2016. Her dele-
gation was pleased and honoured to engage this
critical segment (with over 5000 members) and
deliberate on our involvement in the development
of the Nigerian health sector and economy. She
mentioned that the 8th Nigerian Senate believes
that the Diaspora community needs to be struc-
tured and mainstreamed into the National devel-
opment agenda. Hence, she felt that this meeting
offered a platform to feel the pulse of the doctors
3
and allied healthcare professionals and identify the
gaps and challenges hamstringing the efforts of
this sector towards the development of our dear
nation. The meeting was well attended, productive
and provided the delegation with much food for
thought.
The future of MANSAG rests on attracting and re-
taining a significant number of the younger genera-
tion. Towards this end, we held a well-attended
MANSAG NEW GENERATION networking event in
London on Saturday 03 December 2016.
Finally, our indefatigable Newsletter editor, Mrs
Chika Udezue, has decided, after seven long years,
to relinquish her position. On behalf of the Execu-
tive Committee and members, I wish to thank her
profusely for her years of voluntary selfless service
in the face of significant challenges in producing
and editing the Newsletter and wish her well for the
future.
Have a wonderful Christmas and a prosperous New
Year.
Babatunde A. Gbolade
Pictures from the October Conference and Gala
Above and below: Senator Tejuoso and
Alex Oboh, LOC Chairman, about to open
the conference and give a keynote speech
and below, a cross section of delegates.
Above: ANPA President, Senator Tejuoso, MANSAG
President and NMA First Vice President.
Left: A happy delegate
More pictures on page 13
4
E ngaging in the publicity drive for MANSAG
is no easy feat – you’ve got to be ‘switched
on’ all the time. A lot of people could be atten-
tive with a knack for asking for the tiniest of de-
tails while some others could be apathetic and
insouciant. However, recently, a common theme
has become increasingly noticed during these
interactions.
“Where are the younger members of MANSAG?”
Most of the faces at the annual events were usually
the same – a bit like the faces of African leaders at
an AU meeting. The membership numbers fluctuat-
ed but were largely static. Some trainees had tried
joining in the past, but then claimed they left be-
cause they felt they did not belong.
“Is MANSAG not doing enough for the younger doc-
tors?”
“Are the events dealing with issues that affect
trainees?”
“Is MANSAG evolving in line with the 21st century’s
dynamism?”
The jury is still out on that…………….
From the feedback obtained, a lot of trainees re-
quested for informal networking events specifically
targeted at younger members. It was widely be-
lieved that these would help people to network and
set the ground for increased participation in future
MANSAG events. A committee led by Yinka
Gbolahan (MANSAG Trainee Rep) promptly got to
work. Other members included myself, Mike Ehima,
Oge Ilozue, Chinonye Onyeocha, Kuru Nwaogwug-
wu and Linda Onyeocha.
The event was publicised on the MANSAG
WhatsApp group and other social media applica-
tions, an Eventbrite page was set up and we all
went out to inform as many people as we could. A
few Skype meetings later, it was time for the
event. The days do not go past slowly when you
are preparing for something like this.
The date was Saturday, December 03, and time
was 7:00 p.m. The venue was Jamie’s Bar & Dining
restaurant, very close to the The Shard and London
Bridge Station. It was a slow trickle in the begin-
ning, with a few people 7:30pm. By 8.30p.m.,
MANSAG New Generation—Informal Networking Event
By Dr. Andrew F. Alalade
5
there were about 20 people but fortunately for the
organisers (phew!), it was jam-packed by 9.30p.m.
The attendees, although mainly doctors, also in-
cluded dentists, public health experts, pharmacists,
lawyers, bankers, other health professionals and a
few medical students.
Most people came from London, but there were al-
so people from Oxford, Stoke, Norwich etc. Ice-
breaker events cards were shared to facilitate net-
working and a DJ played music throughout. There
wasn’t a quiet moment. Adebusuyi Adeyemi
(Integrated Care Programme Lead at UCLH) was
the first to fill in his card and he won a bottle of
champagne for his efforts. Pamela Nehikhare, a
doctor from Hertfordshire was 2nd and won a box of
chocolates. Vivian Ezekobe, a dentist came in 3rd
and won free registration for MANSAG’s next con-
ference.
Yinka Gbolahan (MANSAG’s Trainee Rep) welcomed
everyone to the event and gave an introductory
talk while Oge Ilozue and I, MANSAG members for
over five years, gave a summary of our journey so
far and the benefits of membership. Our talks fo-
cused on MANSAG’s activities and events (i.e. Edu-
cational Symposiums and Annual General Confer-
ences). We also talked about how to join the asso-
ciation, the MANSAG committees, the website,
Training Weeks etc. and how people could help
contribute in their own special way. We welcomed
new ideas/suggestions from the attendees.
The food and drinks were awesome, and the feed-
back was good. A few people have also aired their
favourable views on the different social media plat-
forms after the event. Some people came up with
ideas they want to share with MANSAG, and prom-
ised to become members and attend future events.
Overall, it was a brilliant event but that will soon be
forgotten if we do not consolidate on this by forging
new relationships, being more involved with
MANSAG and setting up projects that will impact
the society (here and in Nigeria). The future looks
bright!
Andrew F. Alalade is a Neurosurgery
Specialist Registrar (ST8) at The Na-
tional Hospital for Neurology & Neu-
rosurgery, London,
6
Prehospital Emergency Medicine:
A year as a HEMS Registrar by Dr Nnamdi Udezue
“ I can’t think of anything worse - you’re out
there alone in the dark and the rain with a re-
ally sick patient and no backup - you’d have to be
mad to enjoy it”
These were the words of an anaesthetic colleague
when I mentioned that I would be spending my
next year working as a Helicopter Emergency
Medicine Service (HEMS) Registrar for the Kent,
Surrey, and Sussex Air Ambulance Trust
(KSSAAT). My full time position came to an end in
August 2016. During my time, I undertook ap-
proximately 250 missions from the trust’s two ba-
ses at Redhill Aerodrome in Surrey and Marden in
Kent, which also serves the current headquarters
of the charity.
I was introduced to prehospital care as an Emer-
gency Medicine trainee through the Anaesthesia,
Trauma, and Critical Care (ATACC) course in 2012.
ATACC is an up-to-date advanced trauma course
which goes beyond ATLS in breadth and depth,
covering patient care from the roadside to in-
hospital. The high fidelity training scenarios
opened my eyes to the challenge of applying gold
standard trauma care in difficult environments.
The prospect of making time critical decisions and
working to a high standard in stressful situations
in a non-hospital environment really did spark my
interest. The following year I began to explore
ways to improve my understanding of prehospital
and aeromedical systems. In addition to attending
clinical governance at KSSAAT, I secured a dean-
ery bursary to attend the Clinical Considerations in
Aeromedical Transport (CCAT) and Helicopter
Medical Flight Crew Course (HMFC), during which I
realised with relief that my predisposition to sea-
sickness did not crossover into air-sickness! These
courses helped me develop my thinking around
the clinical, logistical, environmental, and financial
elements of air based services, and also gave me
a grounding in the field of human factors in team
performance in healthcare.
KSSAAT provides a 24/7/365 service for patients
in Kent, Surrey and Sussex. It was the first air
ambulance service in the country to carry blood,
and also the first to fly at night. At times when the
weather makes flying unviable or the helicopter is
7
undergoing maintenance, the team will attend by
rapid response car. The doctor-paramedic team
brings complementary experiences and perspec-
tives to the patient, and both undergo very similar
training within the service. The team can undertake
Rapid-Sequence Induction (RSI) of general anaes-
thesia to stabilise patients, administer blood and
plasma, and undertake certain surgical interven-
tions in the prehospital environment. The HEMS
team obviously includes the pilots, but there is also
a wider team of dispatchers who identify the right
cases for use to attend from the 999 base and are
vital for background logistics, and the charity team,
who raise the over £6 million a year needed to keep
the service running.
The first 6-8 weeks after joining are focused on in-
tensive training leading to sign-off. All doctors and
paramedics new to the service attend a surgical
skills course and a week-long immersive medical
induction course. This is made up of classroom ses-
sions and a series of different individual focused
moulages including a night team multi-casualty ex-
ercise. It is vital to know the equipment, master
practical procedures and know the organisational
standard operating procedures inside out, gain ex-
posure in the pre sign-off period, and have a solid
handle on non-technical skills and Crew Resource
Management (CRM) principles in order to be fully
prepared for the variety of situations encountered.
Induction is followed by a series of supervised duty
shifts. Coming to prehospital care with significant in
-hospital experience but limited prehospital expo-
sure required a willingness to recognise and em-
brace a steep learning curve.
No two prehospital jobs are the same, but there are
certain themes that appear over time. In addition to
the road traffic crashes that typify the 24 Hours in
A&E perspective of HEMS trauma, teams also at-
tend falls from height, stabbings, assaults, sporting
and leisure injuries, shootings, and complex
“medical” cases such as status epilepticus, severe
asthma and cardiac arrests in remote locations. The
variety of potential scenarios that the team can be
exposed to mandates a robust system for clinical
governance, and these sessions provide a useful
way to dissect and learn from cases. Team debrief-
ing on the return leg of a mission often allows the
identification of points that can be used to make
incremental improvements to the next job.
My year with KSSAAT is the highlight of my profes-
sional career to date. I have learned a huge amount
from the doctors and paramedics in the service. Af-
ter I returned to hospital practice, I was invited to
join the emeritus physician program at KSSAAT and
continue to fly with the charity and be involved in
teaching on their trauma courses alongside my
training program. It is a privilege to be able to con-
tinue working with such a dedicated team focused
on excellence. I hope to continue my interest in
prehospital care as my career develops.
Dr Nnamdi Udezue
MB ChB, MPhil (Cantab), MCEM, DipIMC RCS(Ed)
Anaesthesia and Intensive Care Registrar
https://www.kssairambulance.org.uk/
8
Choosing General Practice as a Specialty
by Dr Afiniki Ekanet, GP Trainee
S tudying medicine could easily be described as
one of the best things I did in my youth. This
is not because of the salary or status, which many
may argue is currently nothing to write home
about in the present state of things, but because it
was my childhood dream and evidence for me that
anything is possible with hard work and determina-
tion. While some stumble into medicine through
family connections, good grades or pure luck, I
have had to work against the odds to get my MB,
ChB. I believe it is truly by God’s grace alone that I
got through the years of emotional, financial and
mental strain. Yes, I was one of those bright-eyed
young girls that spoke enthusiastically about how I
wanted to become a surgeon or cardiologist and
save every patient I see. I had no idea about the
many uncertainties in medicine or the very differ-
ent paths of a cardiologist and a surgeon! Actually
most people outside medicine have no idea about
the differences between MRCP, MRCGP and MRCS.
I naively thought that we all become doctors and
work wherever we want. I guess it is true to an
extent, when people are ready to make the com-
mitment required.
It did not take me long after starting medical
school to realise the massive differences in roles,
attitudes, lifestyle, work pattern and contributions
of hospital doctors, surgeons and community prac-
titioners. Yes, they all want the best for patients
and contribute to healthcare in their own way, but
I saw that I was more like the General Practitioners
(GP or family doctor) than the surgeons and cardi-
ologists (physicians)! As much as I love practising
medicine, I like being able to do other things, such
as writing and charity work, as well. I feel that
having variety in my life keeps me sane. I must
admit that having a wonderful husband also made
me want a career that did not involve working 24
hour shifts! While some might expect their families
to understand that spending most of their time
away from home is part of the life of a doctor, I
personally could not see myself living like that, es-
pecially after having children. I am so grateful for
and respect the many doctors who feel so passion-
ately about surgical and medical specialties to
make such sacrifices, but I knew that it was not for
me.
I enjoyed General Practice in community from my
very first placement there as a student and was
also blessed with the opportunity to work in Gen-
eral Practice in the second year of my foundation
training. The rotation confirmed so much of what I
already knew. I liked the GP working style, lasting
professional relationships with patients and
breadth of knowledge required, amongst other
things. It felt very natural to my personality - even
my family commented that they had never seen
me so happy in any other rotation. Thankfully, I
was accepted for GP VTS training and I am enjoy-
ing it. There have been some tough rotations, but
they all contribute to making me a better doctor. I
try to figure out what skills might be useful for me
as a GP, wherever I find myself working. I have
noticed that experienced GPs are able to practice in
different, safe styles that show off their varied per-
sonalities and commitment to patient care, so I try
to adapt wherever I find myself because no rota-
tion is useless.
No one knows tomorrow. GPs might be required to
9
regularly work unsociable hours in future, but
choosing a specialty that suits my personality and
interests means that I will enjoy it even if the hours
change. General practice is definitely not the easy
option that some people imagine, and I know that
many GPs often work 12 hour days. A genuine in-
terest in General Practice will help in finding job
satisfaction after all is said and done. It is also
helpful to have the option of working part-time in
whatever specialty one chooses, because life cir-
cumstances can change. What is important today
might not be so important to you in five years. I
have met several good role models in hospital and
in community, and I believe that whatever specialty
one chooses (and there are many to choose from!),
it should be a re-
flection of one’s
skill, priorities,
strengths, interests
and personality. I
look forward to
working as a GP
with the support of
my valued col-
leagues in second-
ary care, communi-
ty etc, because
good medical care is a
team effort.
A poor woman called a Christian radio station asking for a feeding assistance. A
Satanist listening decided to shame the woman into realising that good things
don’t only come from God. He got her address, called his secretary and ordered for
food to be taken to her.
“And if she askes who sent the food, tell her it’s from the devil!”
The woman was so happy on receiving the food. The secretary then asked, “Wouldn't you want to know
who sent you the food?
The woman answered, “No my dear, it doesn't matter. When God orders, even the devil obeys!”
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
Emenike: Emeka if you can run round this street naked will give you N2million.
Emeka: That is very easy nah. (Emeka pulls off his clothes and started running in the street naked. As
he was running his father saw him).
Dad: Emeka what is wrong with you?
Emeka: Daddy, two million is involved.
Dad: My enemies are at work oh.
Emeka: Daddy two million is involved.
Dad: I did not hear you, what did you say?
Emeka: Daddy two million is involved. (Emeka continued the race but he began to hear foot step behind
him so he turned and saw his father running also naked)
Emeka: Daddy what are you doing?
Dad: Emeka my son, two million plus two million is it not four million? So four million is involved…
In a Lighter Mood
Dr Afinik Ekanet
10
Healthcare Revolution: My Nigerian Experience
By Dr Douglas Okor
I always knew I would go back home to
Nigeria. I was born a Nigerian not by acci-
dent, but for a purpose and I intend to action
and fulfil that purpose.
My zeal to return home in the future in-
creased a 100-fold after my first 2 months in
the United Kingdom. Daily, I pondered how
our people die and lose limbs from preventa-
ble deaths in staggering numbers. The ques-
tion of who will do something was answered
even before I left the shores of Nigeria for
the UK – the answer was clear – I can, I should
and I will.
I am a man of courage and passion who under-
stands the 4 Ds of success – Being Decisive, Delib-
erate, Diligent and Discerning – my passion is “21st
century health care for Nigeria”.
After spending 10 years in the UK and going
through the rigorously challenging training to be-
come a Neurosurgeon specialising in skull base
and neurovascular surgery, I finally moved back to
Nigeria in August 2016. I joined Mr. Biodun
Ogungbo, another UK trained Neurosurgeon to run
a private neurosurgical service called Spine Fixed
in Abuja. Our vision is to develop and deliver be-
spoke, high end and complex neurosurgical ser-
vices thereby making Abuja the “Hub for medical
tourism in West Africa.”
The first thing that struck me on returning home
was the sheer loss of faith in anything to do with
healthcare in Nigeria by the average Nigerian – I
knew there was lack of confidence in the system
but did not realise how deep it ran. Members of
the public I come across daily feel that our
healthcare system has slid down to an all time low.
Nonetheless, it is not enough to become disillu-
sioned. It falls on all our shoulders as Nigerians to
take this as a challenge – patients, the public and
healthcare providers alike.
I am currently collaborating in the training of neu-
rosurgical residents in the National Hospital – join-
ing up with Dr. Charles Ugwuanyi, a Consultant
Neurosurgeon. I attend their handover teaching
meetings and ward rounds at least once a week. It
has been very gratifying for me to see how excited
the residents are to have the opportunity not just
to learn technical neurosurgical “stuff” first hand,
but to also observe the dynamics of maintaining
the soft-interpersonal skills of leadership, commu-
nication and teamwork amongst all cadres of
health care providers while keeping the patient at
the core of our practice.
Since I arrived, we have managed patients with
various neurosurgical pathologies, including com-
plex spine cases, brain tumours, and intracranial
bleeds secondary to ruptured aneurysms. We suc-
11
cessfully drained a large chronic subdural haemato-
ma with local anaesthetic for an awake patient who
is doing very well post operatively. We have also
had excellent outcomes from trans-phenoidal re-
section of pituitary tumours.
It would be irresponsible not to acknowledge the
limitations within this system – issues with human
capacity (skill, knowledge, competence and experi-
ence), materials & equipment, issues with general-
ly poor quality attitude and culture. Despite these
challenges there is massive potential in what can
be achieved in Nigeria – especially within the pri-
vate healthcare space.
I choose to let my actions speak to individuals and
groups around, instead of pointing out their defi-
ciencies and faults – this is effective in providing
the kind of environment that fosters working to-
gether and seeking common positive and progres-
sive goals. Practical examples of improvising in our
challenging environment without compromising
standards is how we have done a few trans-nasal
pituitary tumour resection cases using a micro-
scope (thank God we now have a complete tran-
sphenoidal endoscope set). We have used mini
tampax tampons in place of more expensive and
unavailable nasopore for haemostasis within the
nose post-operatively – and it works perfectly well.
I am glad to attend important and interesting
events here that bring together people who see
beyond the current challenges of our healthcare
delivery system and are keen to make the differ-
ence they want to see. Two such events were the
Future of Health and the Medics West Africa confer-
ences in September and October 2016 respectively.
The Future for Health programme looked at tech-
nology solutions for healthcare in Nigeria while
Medics West African Conference was a mix of
health business and financing, leadership in
healthcare, social media and health. The Medics
West Africa programme also played host to a large
number of exhibitors from all over the world. At
that conference, I was happy to get three endo-
scopic telescope pieces at a very low price to make
a difference in the lives of our patients. On the
down side, it was at this same event that my lap-
top and lovely leather bag were stolen. A nice
‘welcome home’ from a fellow countryman but I
consider it a small price to pay for the huge change
we all are going to make.
It is interesting to find that most people are sur-
prised that I am a Neurosurgeon and are initially
reluctant to consult with me. I was not surprised by
this, as I am not your average medical doctor –
with my non-conformist approach, I can under-
stand their initial apprehension against the back-
drop of our cultural expectations.
It has not just been work, work, work; I have been
travelling and rediscovering my country. So far I
have met up with some fantastic human beings.
Hanging out with these chaps now and again is
massive fun. Abuja has a lot of relaxation/
enjoyment spots. The “point and kill fish” plus
‘yahuza suya’ spots are a must visit for anyone
planning to spend some time in Abuja. I’ve also
fallen in love with the local yogurt blend (fura de
nunu). Almost every fortnight I find myself in one
nightclub or the other – as most probably know,
my love for music and dancing knows no bounds!
"In all of this, one thing stands out. That is, the
need for all of us, to re-dedicate ourselves to
providing top-notch healthcare for our fellow Nige-
rians, in a culturally integrated way that is founded
12
on the team spirit and camaraderie of every
healthcare provider irrespective of cadre or spe-
cialty because the Nigerian patients are worth it –
this my dear friends is one way of us sustaining
Nigeria’s healthcare revolution".
Mr Douglas Okor is Consultant Neurosurgeon @ Spine
Fixed in Abuja, with subspecialist competence in
Skull Base/Endoscopic Pituitary, Neurovascular and
Complex Spinal Surgeries.
He obtained his medical degree from the University of
Benin, Nigeria and did his specialist Medical training in
the United Kingdom.
In the News…………… Hearty Congratulations to former MANSAG President Professor Dilly Anumba
and colleagues at the University of Sheffield: Dr Timothy James, Professor Si-
mon Dixon, Professor Stephen Walters and Mrs Mags Openshaw, on the recent
award of £792,753 from the NIHR i4i scheme to develop and test a clinical
grade magnetic impedance spectroscopy device for assessment of the cervix in
pregnant women to predict preterm birth.
Preterm birth (PTB) complications are the leading cause of death among children under 5 years of age,
and is responsible for nearly 1 million deaths annually. The prediction and prevention of PTB remain
challenging because current methods, such as measuring the cervix by ultrasound, have limited accura-
cy. Prof. Anumba and his team have been studying whether we can detect the changes in cervical tissue
structure and composition that precede PTB and recently showed that women at high risk of PTB (history
of previous PTB), who deliver preterm, including delivery before 28 weeks gestation, have lower cervical
"resistance" in mid-pregnancy than those who deliver at term. With NIHR funding, they have developed
a new device, based on a technique called magnetic impedance spectroscopy (MIS), that should address
limitations of the EIS device for assessing PTB risk. They now want to refine the new MIS device by mini-
mising the signals it receives from other tissues around the cervix and making its measurements at in-
ternal body temperature more stable.
This award is a fantastic achievement, and the successful completion of this project will likely have a sig-
nificant influence on healthcare.
13
More Pictures from the October Conference and Gala Night
14
The MANSAG newsletter is a publication of the:
Medical Association of Nigerians Across
Great Britain
Send your articles, photos, jokes, etc to the
Editor-in-Chief: Chika Norah Udezue
MANSAG Executive Members
President:
Mr. Babatunde Gbolade
Secretary:
Prof. Rotimi Jaiyesimi
Treasurer:
Dr Nwakuru Nwaogwugwu
Financial Secretary:
Dr. Chris Agbo
Public Relations Officer
Dr Andrew Folusho Alalade
Welfare Secretary:
Dr Dorothy Apakama
AHP Representative:
Mrs Olivia Rufai