Few careers shine as brightly as that of Dr. Dickson Kwadwo Bandoh, a star in the field of neurosurgery, in the world of medical perfection, where the mind meets precision and compassion.
His journey from modest beginnings to acclaimed neurosurgeon epitomises dedication, perseverance, and a commitment to excellence. He is on the cusp of being honoured with the prestigious Olisa John Olutola Olatosi Prize at the 64th Annual Scientific Conference of the West African College of Surgeons
Born and raised in Ghana, Dr. Bandoh’s passion for medicine was ignited by a voracious appetite for knowledge instilled in him by his parents. Surrounded by books from a young age, he developed a fascination with problem-solving and a deep-seated desire to contribute to the betterment of humanity.
“This love for knowledge and interest in solving problems was probably what drew me to medicine. I spent quite a large part of my childhood buried in books and gained an interest in people, places and cultures and ideas on how people were making this world a better place. I knew I wanted to be one of ‘those people making the world a better place,” he shared.
Inspired by the idea of wielding the scalpel to heal the intricacies of the human brain and spine, he set his sights on becoming a neurosurgeon, driven by a mix of intellectual curiosity and a hint of what he jokingly calls a “God-complex.”
The path to becoming a neurosurgeon is not for the faint-hearted, but Dr. Bandoh navigated it with determination and grace. From the corridors of Mfantsipim School, where a culture of excellence was instilled in him, to the halls of medical institutions where he honed his craft under the mentorship of esteemed surgeons, his journey was marked by challenges and triumphs.
For Dr. Bandoh, community and mentorship have been his underlying growth in the field. “It takes a community to train a Neurosurgeon. That is my considered opinion. I have had a lot of influences in my life, mostly mentoring me in my personal and professional path,” he opined while he acknowledged his influences.
Despite the demands of rigorous training, he found solace in the support of mentors, colleagues, and family members who buoyed him through the toughest moments. Keen among them was his late but cherished father.
“My Dad was keen on solving problems and brought us up to do that. His view was that God gave humans brains to solve problems and his children were no exception. He tinkered a lot around the house-plumbing, electrical works- probably because of his background as an engineer,” he recounted.
Throughout his training and subsequent practice, Dr. Bandoh encountered myriad defining moments, from the elation of saving lives to the heartbreak of confronting the limits of medical science.
Narrating life after the death of his dad and his fate he shared, “He died the year I gained admission into medical school and but for 3 of his friends, you probably wouldn’t be reading this story today. Alhaji Shehu Wumbei, Mr. Nick Kyei-Baffour and Mr. Amos Amankwah, the principals of SMICE International Limited gave me a full scholarship to pursue my medical education at School of Medical Sciences, KNUST.”
Life in, during and after school also gave him some treasured mentors in them he gripped the opportunity to become a legend in the field of neurology.
Notable ones include Dr Adam Abass, Dr Ernest K Addipah, and Dr Raphael Vowotor who helped him overcome the fear of operating on the human brain and spine. He also encountered Dr Benedict Owusu who he describes as his father in Neurosurgery, Dr Anthony Lamina, Dr Frank ‘Frankie’ Nketiah-Boakye and Dr Kwabena Nsia-Siawu, Dr ‘Saint’ Jerome Boaitey, Dr Harry Akoto, Dr Patrick Bankah, Dr Mutawakilu Iddrisu and the list goes on.
Dr. Bandoh exudes grace and comes across as a man filled with gratitude for his mentors and colleagues alike.
He goes on to highlight the affable and daring supportive family that keeps him going despite the challenges.
“My mothers Mrs. Beatrice Bandoh, Mrs. Love Adu-Bredu and Mrs. Grant pray for me daily. I have a very supportive spouse Mrs.Irene Bandoh, who is an anesthesiologist and critical care physician and my kids who have come to understand that with Daddy, they may not get a lot of time with him but it’s always quality time when Daddy is around,” he chimed.
“I have been blessed with friends who appreciate the craziness that has hallmarked most of growing years and adulthood. They have provided physical, emotional and financial support when the need arose and I will be forever grateful to them. My sisters Dr. Betty Bandoh-Oppong and Christiana Bandoh Cudjoe each a high-flier in their own professions have been extra supportive, especially when the going got tough and there was nowhere to turn to. I’m truly blessed with a supportive family,” he continued.
Yet, through all the challenges his commitment to his patients and his community never wavered. He became a staunch advocate for preventive healthcare, recognizing that early intervention is often the most effective form of treatment, particularly in resource-constrained environments like Ghana.
One of the biggest challenges Dr. Bandoh faced in his practice was the scarcity of resources, especially in neurosurgical equipment. Undeterred, he sought to bridge this gap through partnerships with corporate institutions, advocating for private-sector investment in public hospitals to ensure that patients received the care they deserved. His efforts underscored his belief that it takes a collective effort to train a neurosurgeon and provide quality healthcare to all.
“Patients can have better outcomes if the right infrastructure and resources are available to be used. I have tried on several occasions to partner with corporate institutions for some equipment to be provided for the facilities I have worked in,” he highlighted
Winning the Olisa John Olutola Olatosi Prize, the first-ever Ghanaian to achieve that feat, came as a surprise to Dr. Bandoh, a testament to the years of dedication and hard work he poured into his training.
Yet, he sees this honour not as an endpoint but as a springboard to greater heights. With a keen eye toward the future, he aims to leverage this achievement to inspire and promote learning within the field of neurosurgery, advocating for greater investment in training centres and educational opportunities for aspiring neurosurgeons.
“I guess the years of putting in the long hours, and the pursuit of excellence ingrained in me by my parents and my dad’s insistence that the brain is meant to solve problems all paid off in the long run!” he said.
Reflecting on his journey thus far, Dr. Bandoh offers wise counsel to anyone pursuing similar careers: accept the sacrifices, remain dedicated to quality, and never lose sight of the significant influence medicine can have on both the lives of individuals and society as a whole.