For Dr Sylvia Deganus, a renowned consultant obstetrician gynaecologist, the sacrifice for responding to the call of duty has been extremely huge but dedication and commitment to her professional calling has kept her going.
Sylvia Deganus is the evidence specialist on the Ghana MamaYe team. When I first met her, I wondered whether this was really Sylvia, the medical doctor who keeps delivering 8,000 babies on yearly basis. Sylvia, at a glance, comes across as a shy, laid back Ghanaian woman who would rather keep to herself; but that demeanour hides her rather strong commitment and dedication to saving the lives of mothers and their newborns.
Working in a profession dominated by men, many women may have given up in favour of an easier career path, but not Sylvia Deganus. Recognised for her astuteness and dedication to her profession, Dr Sylvia Deganus is one of only four female obstetrician gynaecologists in Ghana.
Though she has been in medical practice since 1987, it was not until 2000 that Dr Deganus became a specialist in the management of female reproductive issues, such as pregnancy, labour and childbirth.Now the head of the maternal and child health department at Tema General Hospital, Sylvia delivers 1,500 babies fewer than the nation’s leading teaching hospital Korle-Bu."It is quite challenging doing this in a health facility ill equipped and with less than five medical doctors in the reproductive ward."
Contribution to Women's Health
Sylvia teaches part-time at the School of Public Health at the University of Ghana, Legon and has been contributing to women's reproductive healthcare. She has worked with the World Health Organization and several non-governmental organisations in training midwives and promoting healthcare for women. In October 2012, Sylvia received the International Federation of Gynaecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) Award because of her contribution to the improvement of women’s health.
I was very elated when I was presented with this award. Being the only African among six people, I felt that the many years of sacrifice had finally paid off. There is no greater joy than knowing that your dedication to saving lives is recognised internationally.
Personal Sacrifices
Being an obstetrician is trying for the family. It is difficult combining marriage with this work. My first husband couldn't cope with the heat. His family said I was married more to my work than to my husband, I believe in letting my light shine wherever I am.
That has undoubtedly led to some fantastic achievements, leading the way for young women to break the mould of male-dominated professions in Ghana.You may not be Sylvia but in your own way, you can also contribute to saving the lives of mothers and their newborn.
Sylvia's dedication challenges all medical professionals to work hard irrespective of the challenges they face on a daily basis.