SIERRA LEONE—The West African College of Surgeons (WACS) has accredited Mercy Ships’ surgical and anaesthesia training programs, demonstrating both organisations’ strong commitment to improving medical education in the region.

Medical trainees will now have unparalleled opportunities to gain specialized qualifications through their experience aboard Mercy Ships’ hospital vessels.

The recognition by WACS, a highly respected regional body dedicated to the education and professional development of surgeons and healthcare professionals, marks a milestone in Mercy Ships’ efforts to improve access to surgical care and education in Africa.

WACS is well known for its mission to elevate healthcare standards through specialized training, rigorous examinations, and the accreditation of medical institutions and programs.

Its endorsement of Mercy Ships reflects the quality and impact of the charity’s surgical training efforts.

In celebrating this accreditation, Mercy Ships noted that it represents a significant step forward in delivering its Education, Training, and Advocacy (ETA) strategy.

This strategy is centered around improving access to surgical care and enhancing surgical education across the continent.

 Dr. Mark Shrime, Mercy Ships’ International Chief Medical Officer, expressed that this accreditation embodies the organization’s dedication to improving surgical care in partnership with partner countries.

According to Dr. Shrime, the milestone was part of a long-term goal established in 2022 and is the outcome of strong partnerships built in the region over the years.

Dr. Shrime also emphasized that the accreditation assures trainees aboard Mercy Ships’ vessels that the training they receive meets the highest professional standards.

The accreditation covers a range of specialties, including general surgery, oral and maxillofacial surgery, orthopedics, pediatric surgery, plastic surgery, and anesthesia.

For his part, Erin Ugai, Senior Director for Education Training and Advocacy at Mercy Ships, emphasized that this accreditation provides an invaluable opportunity for medical residents who might otherwise need to travel abroad for specialized training.

With the accredited programs now available aboard Mercy Ships, residents can receive top-tier surgical training in their own countries when the vessels are deployed to deliver care.

Dr. Shrime also pointed out that Mercy Ships’ vessels provide an ideal training platform, offering a multi-disciplinary, multi-cultural environment equipped with the necessary staff, supplies, and equipment to deliver high-quality surgical care.

He added that this experience is highly relevant for the long-term practice of the trainees, who will be working in similar environments in the future.

With WACS’ endorsement, trainees aboard Mercy Ships’ vessels will have access to accredited surgical training programs, reinforcing their skills and knowledge within the West African context.

Currently, Mercy Ships’ flagship vessel, The Global Mercy™, is stationed in Freetown, Sierra Leone, where it provides surgeries and training to healthcare professionals.

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