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

newslettereditor@mansag.org

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