Met Dr. Kwabena Danquah at the International West African
Histology (IWAC) congress in Accra, Ghana between March 31st and
April 1st.
A first sight of his
stature is deceptive as he may be taken for a university under graduate. This young Medical Laboratory Scientist who
had his BSc Histopathology in Ghana also have an MSc degree and Ph.D both from
the PostMorth University, UK. He also had post doctoral experience in three
different Institutions. One at a Biotechnology company for 2 years, the second
from at……..for one year and the last one for 2 years at………….
This young MLS is a vibrant role model for other aspiring
young histoscientists in West Africa who desires to reach the zenith of their
profession especially in the emerging fields of molecular biology and
nanotechnology. It was for this reason the editor of this publication cornered
him for a lengthy interview with excerpts produced below for your delight:
The Beginning
Medical Laboratory started as a diploma programme in Ghanian
higher institution which later upgraded to a degree programme. Medical doctors were our lecturers in those
days. They made us feel inferior and told us there was no future for Medical
Laboratory Science.
After my degree programme in Ghana, I had a schorlaship for
MSc at the University of Postmouth in the UK in 2004. It was during this period
that my eyes were opened to the wide field and importance of Medical Laboratory
Science in Medicine and beyond.
My MSC was a modular programme and my choice of modules were
in Histopathology, cytochemistry, cytology, molecular biology etc hence my
specialization in histopathology. I had
exposure in electron microscopy and work on the use of virus to cure brain
cancer cells.
My PhD focused on molecular biology techniques in using
virus to cure cancer cells. After that I was opportune to do my post-doctoral
programme in three places at different periods.
Return To Ghana
I returned to Ghana in 2013. I have been lecturing and
mentoring students since. I also double
as a Director of a research Institute where collaborate with and help research
students in Pharmacology, Anatomy, molecular biology etc. The Institute also conducts workshops in
molecular techniques.
The Future
I want to see a future where Medical Laboratory Science will
expand to research, production of reagents, and antibodies, Tissue culture,
nanotechnology, Therapeutic protein production etc. We have all it takes to
produce reagents and biologicals as it is very difficult to get reagents for
your research even if you have money in this part of the world.
On Nigeria Delegates
You Nigerians are very passionate and unique. My
interactions in the conference shows your level of exposure and expertise. I
give it to you that you are ahead in the practice of histology.
