June 10, 2026
The University of Health and Allied Sciences (UHAS), Ho, Ghana, witnessed a landmark academic event on Friday, June 5, 2026, as Professor Yaw Asante Awuku, Professor of Medicine and Gastroenterology and Dean of the School of Medicine, delivered the institution’s 8th Inaugural Lecture at the Cedi Auditorium, Sokode-Lokoe, Ho.
The lecture, themed “From Bedside to Academia: A Clinician-Scholar’s Role in Advancing Medical Education and Gastroenterology Practice”, offered a profound reflection on Professor Awuku’s journey from bedside clinician to clinician-scholar.
Inaugural lectures at UHAS provide newly promoted professors the platform to share their research trajectory, current focus and future directions with colleagues and the wider public.
An exhibition showcasing Professor Awuku’s scholarly works preceded the lecture, running from Monday, June 1 to Friday, June 5, 2026.
Professor Awuku traced the evolution of medical training from ancient traditions to modern reforms in Ghana, including Problem-Based Learning (PBL), Community-Based Education and Service (COBES) and Objective Structured Clinical Examinations (OSCE). He outlined the growth of Gastroenterology practice in Ghana, from general medicine to endoscopy, specialist training and the establishment of professional bodies in digestive health. Central to his lecture was the role of the clinician-scholar - bridging patient care and academia, translating science into compassionate care and mentoring future healthcare professionals. He illustrated bedside lessons through a case of a banker with persistent anaemia, ultimately diagnosed with Vitamin B12 deficiency linked to Helicobacter pylori infection.
Professor Awuku highlighted advances such as therapeutic endoscopy, national screening guidelines and his leadership in adapting endoscopy practice during the COVID-19 pandemic. Notably, he discussed his study on retained colorectal sex toys, identifying it as an emerging gastrointestinal emergency in Ghana. He advocated for moving beyond rote memorization toward critical thinking, simulation-based training, case-based learning, patient-centred care, and technology-enabled education. He spotlighted the Ghana Point of Care Ultrasound Partnership (GPP) with Worldwide Radiology (UK), which has trained over 40 doctors and produced six pioneering POCUS trainers. He proposed Centres of Excellence as engines for health system transformation, anchored on integration, innovation, and inspiration.
Professor Awuku linked his work to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals — particularly SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals). He expressed gratitude to his family and UHAS leadership, past and present, for their support throughout his academic journey.
The Vice Chancellor of UHAS, Professor Lydia Aziato, who chaired the programme, commended Professor Awuku, underscoring the importance of the clinician-scholar model in advancing both medical education and healthcare delivery. She urged faculty to emulate his example by integrating clinical practice with academic scholarship and fostering collaborations locally and globally.
The event drew a distinguished audience including leaders from sister universities, politicians, traditional authorities, researchers, policymakers, healthcare practitioners, faculty, staff, students from UHAS and nearby secondary schools and families of the lecturer.
Professor Yaw Asante Awuku is a World Endoscopy Organisation Star and a leading figure in gastroenterology practice and medical education reform in Ghana. His career spans clinical practice, academic leadership, research and mentorship, embodying the clinician-scholar ideal and positioning him as a transformative voice in healthcare and medical training both nationally and internationally.