title: The public health impact of training physicians to become obstetricians and gynecologists in Ghana.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  We assessed the public health effect of creating and sustaining obstetrics and gynecology postgraduate training in Ghana, established in 1989 to reverse low repatriation of physicians trained abroad.
  
  
  METHODS
  All 85 certified graduates of 2 Ghanaian university-based postgraduate training programs from program initiation in 1989 through June 2010 were identified and eligible for this study. Of these, 7 were unable to be contacted, inaccessible, declined participation, or deceased.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Of the graduates, 83 provide clinical services in Ghana and work in 33 sites in 8 of 10 regions; 15% were the first obstetrician and gynecologist at their facility, 25% hold clinical leadership positions, 50% practice in teaching hospitals, and 14% serve as academic faculty.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Creating capacity for university-based postgraduate training in obstetrics and gynecology is effective and sustainable for a comprehensive global approach to reduce maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality. Policies to support training and research capacity in obstetrics and gynecology are an integral part of a long-term national plan for maternal health.
authors.affiliation: Frank W. J. Anderson and Erika L. Boothman are with the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. Samuel A. Obed is with the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Ghana Medical School, Korle-Bu, Accra. Henry Opare-Ado is with the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana.
authors.forename: Frank W J
authors.initials: FW
authors.lastname: Anderson
authors.forename: Samuel A
authors.initials: SA
authors.lastname: Obed
authors.forename: Erika L
authors.initials: EL
authors.lastname: Boothman
authors.forename: Henry
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Opare-Ado
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D004503:Education, Medical, Graduate / Q000379:methods; D005260:Female; D005869:Ghana / Q000453:epidemiology; D006176:Gynecology / Q000193:education*; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007226:Infant Mortality; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008297:Male; D008428:Maternal Mortality; D008875:Middle Aged; D009774:Obstetrics / Q000193:education*; D010820:Physicians / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D011634:Public Health / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D000078329:Workforce