By: Vivian Dzoboku | voltaonlinegh.com |

Academician and Quiz Mistress of the renowned National Science and Maths Quiz (NSMQ), Professor Elsie Effah Kaufmann is spending her one-year sabbatical leave at the University of Health and Allied Sciences (UHAS) in Ho working together with other experts to start the Department of Orthotics and Prosthetics.

Speaking on YFM, the Associate Professor at the Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Ghana said she was excited to be part of the Team that would set up Ghana’s first local training program in Orthotics and Prosthetics.

Prosthetics involves the use of artificial limbs to enhance the function and lifestyle of persons with limb loss. A Prosthetist is a healthcare professional who makes and fits artificial limbs for people with disabilities including artificial legs and arms for people who are amputated due to cancer, diabetes or injury. Orthotics involves precision and creativity in the design and fabrication of external braces (orthoses) as part of a patient’s treatment process. An Orthotist is a healthcare professional who makes and fits braces for body parts that have been weakened by injury, disease, or disorders of the nerves, muscles, or bones.

Prosthetics and Orthotics are separate disciplines, but their common goals in rehabilitation the human body makes them move hand in hand.

Currently Tanzania is the only African Country that has an academic program, for Orthotists and Prosthetics.

The University of Health and Allied Sciences is the first Public University in the Volta Region and is so far the only state university wholly dedicated to the training of healthcare professionals in Ghana.

Prof Kaufman’s rich experience in science and mathematics education is expected to help build a strong department in the University during her one-year stay.

Source: www.voltaonlinegh.com