The Rivers State University Teaching Hospital (RSUTH) recently hosted a landmark three-day Craniofacial Surgery Workshop in partnership with Vanderbilt University Medical Centre (VUMC), USA. Held from March 31st to April 2nd, 2025, the event, themed “Craniofacial Surgery: Awareness, Advocacy, and Techniques,” brought together renowned local and international experts to share knowledge, build capacity, and strengthen global collaborations in the field of craniofacial surgery.
The Chief Medical Director of RSUTH, Prof. Chizindu A. Alikor, in the opening ceremony, warmly welcomed all participants to the workshop and the team from VUMC USA led by Assoc. Prof. Michael Golinko. Prof. Alikor, specially appreciated Dr. Oti Nimi Aria, Head of the Craniofacial Surgery Team in RSUTH and Coordinator of the workshop, for her vision and dedication to the successful planning and execution of the event. He also hailed the Department of Surgery recognizing their collective effort in bringing such strategic international collaboration and urged other departments to emulate.
The visiting team toured RSUTH’s state-of-the-art facilities, including the Intensive Care Unit, Burns and Plastic Surgery Unit, and Modular Theatre, setting the tone for high-level academic and technical exchange throughout the workshop.
Over the course of the workshop, participants engaged in expert-led presentations covering critical topics such as craniosynostosis, cleft palate management, anaesthetic protocols, and surgical techniques. Highlight sessions included hands-on demonstrations with skull models and real-life case discussions during the Craniofacial Surgery Clinic, facilitating immersive learning experiences for surgeons, nurses, and allied health professionals. The event concluded with group discussions led by VUMC faculty, focusing on strategies to improve craniofacial surgery training, advocacy, and post-operative care in Nigeria.
The Management of RSUTH extends heartfelt appreciation to all facilitators from both local and international institutions whose expertise and contributions enriched the workshop. These include Assoc. Prof. Michael Golinko, Assoc. Prof. Christopher Bonfield, Haley Vance, Assoc. Prof. Linda Iroegbu-Emeruem, Dr. Tombari Gbeneol, Dr. Joy Dayi, Dr. Tamunoasa Allison, Dr. Job Otokwala, Dr. Amaewhule, and Prof. Akinbami. Their willingness to share knowledge, conduct hands-on demonstrations, and mentor participants has left an enduring mark on the institution’s journey towards excellence in craniofacial surgery.
With strengthened ties between RSUTH and Vanderbilt University Medical Centre, this collaboration signifies a major step in advancing specialized surgical care and enhancing clinical outcomes across the region.
