Dr. Penelope Adinku has etched her name in history as Ghana’s first female cardiothoracic surgeon, breaking barriers in a traditionally male-dominated field. Her journey reflects her passion for medicine, resilience against societal biases, and a deep commitment to advancing cardiac care in Ghana.
Dr. Adinku was raised in a family where her parents instilled the importance of fearlessly pursuing dreams. Inspired by this foundation, she enrolled at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) to study medicine. Driven by her interest in surgery and a desire to help children with congenital heart diseases, she pursued specialized training in cardiothoracic surgery.
Dr. Adinku’s career took off with a three-year general surgery membership program at the West African College of Surgeons (WACS), which she completed in 2017. Furthering her expertise, she undertook a fellowship program, equipping her with the skills needed to perform complex cardiac procedures.
In April 2022, she joined the National Cardiothoracic Centre at Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital in Accra, focusing on pediatric cardiac surgery. Her milestone achievement came in May 2022, when she successfully performed her first open-heart surgery on a six-year-old girl under the supervision of the center’s chairman, Dr. Lawrence Agyemang Serebour.
Congratulations Dr. Penelope Adinku, Ghana's first female Cardiothoracic Surgeon and a staff member of the National Cardiothoracic Centre, on being crowned the 2022 Best Candidate in Cardiothoracic Surgery in West Africa. ? pic.twitter.com/dvBfCGe9C3
— Korle Bu Teaching Hospital (@KBTH_GH) March 24, 2023
Dr. Adinku’s journey has not been without challenges. She has faced gender biases from colleagues, healthcare workers, and patients, reflecting societal perceptions of surgeons as predominantly male. However, she has overcome these obstacles by maintaining focus and letting her results speak for themselves.
Transforming Cardiac Surgery in Ghana
As a pioneer, Dr. Adinku is committed to addressing critical challenges in cardiac surgery in Ghana. The high cost of open-heart surgeries limits accessibility for many patients, while logistical constraints, such as insufficient ICU facilities and personnel, hinder the volume and complexity of surgeries performed.
Despite these hurdles, Dr. Adinku remains hopeful for the future. She actively advocates for mentorship programs to inspire more women to pursue careers in cardiothoracic surgery. Her work has already influenced several female doctors who are now considering the field.
Leadership and Vision
Dr. Adinku emphasizes the importance of teamwork and leadership in delivering excellent surgical outcomes. She believes in nurturing the strengths of her team members and fostering collaboration to achieve common goals. Her dedication to creating a positive and supportive work environment further reflects her leadership ethos.
She also highlights the value of international exchange in advancing surgical techniques and improving patient care. Platforms like CTSNet and Thoracic Gurus on YouTube serve as valuable resources, allowing surgeons to share ideas and learn from one another globally.
Recognitions and Aspirations
Dr. Adinku’s achievements have earned her widespread recognition. In 2022, she was named the Best Candidate in Cardiothoracic Surgery in West Africa—a testament to her dedication and skill. Her groundbreaking accomplishments continue to inspire aspiring surgeons, particularly women, to enter the field.
Looking ahead, Dr. Adinku envisions a future where the female-to-male ratio in cardiothoracic surgery reaches parity. She remains committed to mentoring young professionals and advancing cardiac care in Ghana.
Dr. Penelope Adinku’s journey is a powerful reminder of the impact of resilience, determination, and pioneering spirit. Her story not only celebrates personal achievement but also sets the stage for transformative progress in Ghana’s healthcare system.
The age-old adage, “It’s never too late to achieve your dreams,” has been given new life by Yvonne Spann Sowers and her daughter, Eyamba Sowers Scott, who recently graduated college together with honors. At 71, Spann Sowers completed her bachelor’s degree in Biblical Studies at W.L. Bonner College, while her 50-year-old daughter earned a master’s degree in Homeland Security and Emergency Management from National University. Their story is a testament to perseverance, intergenerational inspiration, and the unyielding pursuit of education.
This isn’t the first time the Spann Sowers family has made academic history together. In 1970, Yvonne graduated high school alongside her mother, symbolizing a family tradition of resilience and determination. Over five decades later, Yvonne and Eyamba have carried that legacy forward, celebrating their college graduations within a month of each other.
Yvonne, a retired Deed Analyst for Berkeley County Government, felt a deep yearning to expand her knowledge of theology and the Bible. Inspired by the idea of lifelong learning, she returned to school part-time in 2016. Overcoming significant health challenges, including partial hearing loss and the aftermath of brain surgery, she earned her degree with distinction, graduating Cum Laude and as valedictorian of her class. Read more about the Yvonne and Eyamba Sowers here.
