November 27, 2009

Research Report Summary by Lisa D. Cain, PhD

Purpose of Mission

This report provides the details of my participation in the West Africa medical mission trip to Accra, Ghana from November 14-19, 2009. The mission trip consisted of an international team from the Korle-Bu Neuroscience Foundation [KBNF], Pro-Health International and Doctors for United Medical Missions. The purpose of the mission was to support the development of the Korle-Bu Neuroscience Centre of Excellence [KBNCE] as a resource for West Africa. This mission also provided an opportunity for local physicians and health care team members to enhance their skills, provided support for patients who were desperately in need of neurosurgery, and supported the mission of the KBNF, establishing the Korle-Bu Neuroscience Centre of Excellence as a leading treatment, training and research centre for West Africa. The mission consisted of a clinical, education and research component.

Summary

My main purpose with the Korle-Bu West Africa Mission trip was to begin examining factors that are essential to the research component of the development of the Korle-Bu Neuroscience Center of Excellence. I applaud the University of Ghana for their implementation of research despite obstacles.  The main area of neuroscience research interests at the University of Ghana are epilepsy, spina bifida, cervical spondylosis, stroke, and neuro HIV. An area of interest that needs research support is the occurrence of pediatric brain tumors. Research in infectious diseases is also strong and can be further expanded into the area of neuroscience.  In my evaluation, the main factor that is missing is a structured neuroscience research program. The establishment of a research program will support the production of basic and clinical neuroscience research and will generate trained neuroscientists. As stated earlier in this report, I have been granted permission by Deputy Provost of the University Of Ghana College Of Health Sciences to proceed with the establishment of the neuroscience research program.  Over the next few months I will define a departmental base for the program and assist in devising the curriculum.  In order to further support the clinical enterprise of the Neuroscience Centre of Excellence, trained neuropathologists are needed. I have also been granted permission to establish the collaborations necessary for the production of trained neuropathologists. The continued support of the preoperative and critical care nursing school is essential. The last item of importance is to assist the Korle-Bu Neuroscience Club student volunteer program. Supporting the young generation in their call to leadership and service is essential to the future of the Korle-Bu Neuroscience Centre of Excellence.

Over the next few months, I will establish a research committee and identify collaborations to assist in the endeavors mentioned above. All of the initiatives are capable of being accomplished. The establishment of the neuroscience program is the initial step in producing research that will support the Neuroscience Centre.  There are still items that I must address such as the surrounding centers  associated with the University of Ghana that are performing research, however, the foundation of the research production should  be at the University of Ghana where bright minds (Ph.D. and M.D. scientists) can be produced. This will build a solid research infrastructure and elicit a sustainable research program.  This will also empower the University of Ghana College of Health Sciences and Medical School in the neuroscience arena.  There must be an educational home based neuroscience degree producing program within the University. I will do whatever I can to assist in the initial phase of supporting and developing neuroscience research. I emphasize that is the initial phase. I can envision, in conjunction with the Korle-Bu Neuroscience Centre of Excellence that Ghana will be a leader in neuroscience discoveries and this will help to address neurological conditions in the entire West Africa.

Lisa Cain, PhD.

Associate Professor, Department Neurosciences and Cell Biology-UTMB Galveston

Associate Member, Institute of the Medical Humanities-UTMB Galveston

Director, Medical School Research programs-UTMB-Galveston

Research Chair

Korle-Bu Neuroscience Foundation