Critical thinking crucial for medical education – Professor Awuku
The Dean of the School of Medicine at the University of Health and Allied Sciences (UHAS), Professor Yaw Asante Awuku has said medical education now requires training doctors to promote critical thinking and not just role learning.
“It must assess not only what students know but how they apply knowledge and relate to patients,” he said.
Professor Awuku said this at his inaugural lecture at the UHAS main campus at Sokode-Lokoe, near Ho, on Friday (June 5, 2026).
The lecture was on the topic: ‘From Bedside to Academia: A Clinical Scholars’ Role in Advancing Medical Education and Gastroenterology Practice.’
Professor Awuku said medical education must embrace simulation and case-based learning and prepare graduates for team-based, technology-enabled, and compassionate care.
“The future lies in integration clinical wisdom with academic framework, local insights with global knowledge, and integrating science with empathy,” he maintained.
The Dean of UHAS School of Medicine pointed out that a clinical scholar was a vital hybrid who must be a translator of complex science into compassionate care, and a bridge between real-world clinical challenges and academic solutions, as well as shaping not just students but the very ethos of medical education.
Professor Awuku entreated the students to learn with urgency, care and humility and urged policy makers to ground decisions in frontline reality.
He also called on the public to demand and support healthcare systems that valued both competence and compassion.
“May the universities nurture clinical-scholars through the clinical professorship pathway,” he told the convocation.
The Vice Chancellor of UHAS, Professor Lydia Aziato congratulated Professor Awuku, saying the status of a Professor was landmark achievement.
Professor Awuku is a Professor of Medicine and Gastroenterology in the Department of Medicine and Therapeutics of UHAS.
The accomplished clinician with extensive experience in higher education leadership is widely regarded as a dedicated mentor to students and trainees in medicine.
His leadership philosophy is grounded in compassionate patient care, evidence-based teaching and community-oriented service, and ensuring that medical training remains aligned with national health priorities and global best practices.
Professor Awuku continues to champion innovation and medical education, interdisciplinary research and capacity buildings as essential pillars for sustainable improvement in healthcare.
