“I Will Not Stop Challenging for Kidney Transplantation Independence in Ghana”

▲ Dr Ernest Kwame Adjepong-Tandoh, fellow from Ghana, from the Division of Kidney and Pancreas Transplantation at Asan Medical Center.

I am a urologist currently receiving training in both living and deceased donor kidney transplantation at the Division of Kidney and Pancreas Transplantation at Asan Medical Center. I am learning robotic surgery and gaining experience in procedures rarely seen in Ghana, such as retroperitoneal tumor excisions that are rarely performed in Ghana. I am also acquiring practical knowledge and skills in patient preparation, complication management, and long-term postoperative care. Beyond clinical work, I am also gaining practical experience in research methodologies, statistics, and scientific writing. I plan to submit four research papers during my training period.

#Strolling Along the Hangang Park #Amazing Scenery

I once asked ChatGPT to recommend the best hospital for kidney transplantation

I asked for recommendations on which hospital would be best suited for training to enhance my expertise in kidney transplantation. I believed ChatGPT was the most reliable source, given that it draws on an immense amount of information from around the world.  After several rounds of questions, it recommended three hospitals.

To make a final decision, I asked ChatGPT to consider factors such as the number of kidney transplantation surgery cases, medical expertise, clinical outcomes, and institutional systems. Based on this comprehensive evaluation, it ultimately recommended Asan Medical Center.

At first, I was nervous about traveling to a distant country in Asia for training. However looking back now, I can confidently say that coming here was one of the best decisions I have ever made.

#Abstract Presented at the Asian Transplantation Week 2024 (ATW 2024) of the Korean Society for Transplantation (KST)

There was a patient who had already undergone three kidney transplantations.

Due to poor postoperative care, the patient’s kidney function deteriorated again, ultimately requiring another transplantation. Because of the patient’s surgical history, the anatomical structures surrounding the kidney had been significantly altered. Despite the challenges, my supervisor, Professor Young Hoon Kim from the Division of Kidney and Pancreas Transplantation, completed the entire procedure safely and effectively. He often reminds me that the more difficult the surgery, the more the surgeon must remain calm and perseverant, which is an advice I always carry with me.

#At the International Physicians Lounge #Born of This Land: My Life Story #Finished Reading

“If there is no road, find one. If there is still no road, pave one yourself.”

This quote from the memoir ‘Born of This Land: My Life Story’ by the late founder Chung Ju-yung of the Asan Foundation left a lasting impression on me. I often spend time in the International Physicians Lounge on the 7th floor of the West Building, where I found this book and read it from cover to cover. Ghana’s first kidney transplantation was performed in 2008, and fewer than 50 procedures have been carried out since. I felt that my own relentless efforts for Ghanaian patients amid such challenging circumstances closely mirrored the themes described in the book.  I will never forget the importance of perseverance, determination, and a spirit of challenge that it taught me.

#Supervising Professor Young Hoon Kim #Endless Gratitude

• I will take the lead in advancing Ghana become self-reliant in kidney transplantation

• The prevalence of chronic kidney disease is approximately 13%. Most patients in need of surgery have no choice but to travel abroad to countries like India, Türkiye, the United Kingdom, or the United States for transplantations. In Ghana, most kidney transplantations are still performed by foreign surgeons. After completing my training at Asan Medical Center, I plan to share the surgical techniques I have acquired here with medical professionals in Ghana and other West African countries, and work to improve the medical infrastructure. I also hope to adapt the educational programs of Asan Medical Center, such as those offered through AMC Academy and Simulation Center, for implementation in Ghana.

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