Overview
The Family Medicine Department of the University of Sierra Leone Teaching Hospitals Complex (USLTHC) was established to strengthen primary care services and provide structured training for undergraduate medical students and postgraduate resident doctors in family medicine. Its creation marked an important step toward improving comprehensive, patient-centered care and advancing family medicine as a recognized specialty within Sierra Leone.
Early Development and Preparatory Phase (2017–2018)
The initial groundwork for the department began in 2017, alongside efforts to support
postgraduate family medicine training at accredited institutions, including Blue Shield
Medical Centre. During this period, postgraduate trainees successfully progressed through
various stages of the West African College of Physicians examination process, contributing
to the development of family medicine capacity in the country.
Efforts were initially made to locate the department at Jui Chinese Hospital. However, after
several assessments and consultations, this plan did not materialize. Consequently,
Connaught Teaching Hospital, the main teaching and referral hospital under USLTHC, was
selected as the permanent base for the Family Medicine Department.
Head of Department
Dr. K. A. Adekunle
Head of Department, Family Medicine
MBBS, FWACP(FM)
Dr. K. A. Adekunle is a distinguished family medicine physician with extensive experience in
clinical
practice, academic leadership, and medical education. Under his leadership, the Department
of Family Medicine continues to grow and provide high-quality primary care services in
Sierra Leone.
Establishment at Connaught Teaching Hospital (2018)
Significant restructuring and infrastructural improvements were undertaken at Connaught Teaching Hospital to accommodate the new department and meet accreditation standards. The General Outpatient Department was reorganized and upgraded, including:
- Creation of a patient waiting area at the entrance
- Construction of an ambulance parking space
- Establishment of a triage unit
- Expansion and construction of additional consulting rooms
These developments enhanced patient flow, improved service delivery, and created a suitable
environment for clinical training.
In November 2018, the department received accreditation from the West African College of
Physicians for an initial period of two years. The accreditation authorized the department
to
train senior registrars and junior residents in family medicine. Clinical operations at
Connaught Teaching Hospital officially commenced on 12 November 2018.
Growth, Training, and Academic Activities (2018–2019)
Following its establishment, the department expanded its academic and clinical activities. It provided structured training programs for resident doctors while delivering outpatient and emergency care services. The department also benefited from international academic collaboration. Fellows associated with the Royal College of General Practitioners and partnerships linked to King’s Global Health contributed to teaching and clinical support. Training programs introduced during this period included:
- Point-of-care ultrasound training
- Clinical presentations and seminars
- Journal review sessions
- Multidisciplinary academic activities involving radiology and pathology
In June 2019, the department participated in the Africa regional conference of the World Organization of National Colleges and Academics of Family Physicians (WONCA), strengthening its international engagement and professional network.
Department Structure and Staffing
At inception, the department comprised consultants, senior registrars, junior residents, and medical officers, supported by administrative personnel. The department has continued to serve as a training center for family medicine residents while providing clinical services to the public and hospital staff.
Institutional Development and Infrastructure Improvements (2021–2023)
Following continued assessment of outpatient services, proposals were developed to improve the efficiency and organization of the outpatient department. This led to a major renovation project, which began in October 2022. The renovation was aimed at improving patient care delivery, enhancing the training environment, and strengthening the hospital’s role as a national referral center.
Functions and Services
The Family Medicine Department provides a broad range of clinical, academic, and preventive services, including:
- Emergency care
- Outpatient clinical services
- Staff medical services
- Routine medical examinations and screening
- Pre-employment and school entry medical assessments
- Point-of-care ultrasound services
- Training of undergraduate and postgraduate medical trainees
- Clinical research
Academic and Professional Engagement
The department is affiliated with major regional and international professional bodies, including:
- World Organization of National Colleges and Academics of Family Physicians (WONCA Africa)
- West African College of Physicians
These affiliations support training standards, academic development, and collaboration. Regular academic activities include:
- Point-of-care ultrasound training
- Clinical presentations and seminars
- Journal review sessions
- Multidisciplinary academic activities involving radiology and pathology
Achievements
Key achievements of the department include:
- Establishment of a fully functional Family Medicine training department at Connaught Teaching Hospital
- Accreditation as a postgraduate training center
- Development of structured residency training programs
- Introduction of point-of-care ultrasound training
- Expansion of outpatient and staff clinical services
- Ongoing participation in regional and international professional networks
Challenges
Despite its progress, the department continues to face challenges, including:
- Limited manpower relative to patient demand
- Infrastructure constraints and ongoing renovation
- Operational and service delivery challenges common to a national referral hospital
Conclusion
The establishment of the Family Medicine Department at the University of Sierra Leone Teaching Hospitals Complex represents a major advancement in medical education and primary healthcare delivery in Sierra Leone. The department continues to play a vital role in training healthcare professionals, delivering comprehensive outpatient care, and contributing to the strengthening of the national health system.
