Consultant Staff
- Prof. G.A.O Ozoh (MB,BCh. FWACP)
- Dr C.L Onyekonwu (MB,BS. FMCP, MPH)
- Dr U.R Ojinmah (MB,BS. FMCP)
- Dr J.B Uche-Ejekwu (MB,BS. FWCAP)
Introduction
The Faculty of Medicine of the University of Nigeria was established in 1967 but the Medical School of the Faculty effectively took off in October 1970 after the Nigerian civil war. Several sub-departments including the sub-department of Dermatology became operational in the College of Medicine at about the same time.
The sub-department was created to meet the increasing dermatological needs of the populace, serving as a tertiary referral center for a host of skin disorders and sexually transmitted infections which later included HIV/AIDS.
Initially run by Prof Anezi Okoro, who was the Head from 1970-1988, other dermatologists including Prof Egere, Dr Obiagboso, Dr Evi Okafor and Dr Mbagbaw later joined the sub-Department. They have since left.
Between 1988 and 1992, Prof B.J.C Onwubere coordinated the Department. Other coordinators include Prof. G.A.O.Ozoh (1992-2004; 2007-2013), Prof E.N.Nnoruka (Deceased) between 2004 and 2007 and Dr. C.L. Onyekonwu (2014-2018). The present coordinator of the Department is Dr U.R. Ojinmah.
Between 1992 and 2016, ten dermatology residents (three of whom were supernumerary) and one rheumatology resident completed their training and have since gained employment in teaching hospitals around the country. We have also completed training posting for a senior paediatric dermatology resident who is now preparing for her part 2 exam from her primary department. Two PhD students have also passed through the department.
In 2009, the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria gave the department full accreditation to train dermatologists. The Department also has full accreditation with the West African College of Physicians.
At the moment, the department has four academic staff (1 professor, 2 senior lecturers and one lecturer I), five senior dermatology residents made up of two from UNTH and three supernumeraries from AEUTH (FETH) Abakaliki, FMC Makurdi and FMC Umuahia, 4 Nurses, two laboratory scientists, a confidential secretary, 5 clerks and 2 orderlies. We also have dedicated medical records and revenue staff situated in the department.
Over the years, the mission of the department has broadened as patients have realized the need for specialized medical services with continued increase in uptake of these services especially in the area of dermatological care. This has led to a patient-steered demand for re-organization in services provided by the department. At the moment, our services are still largely broad-based, essentially involving patient – centered clinical dermatology.
PHILOSOPHY
To create a dynamic department with special emphasis on training of medical students and resident doctors while keeping the practicing dermatologist up-to-date, to the benefit of the patient and the institution in an environment fashioned by teamwork among all stakeholders.
VISION STATEMENT
To build a research-driven, patient-centered department, with a world-class faculty, that encourages individual growth and creativity through an innovative learning and practice environment.
MISSION STATEMENT
To produce competent physicians who can recognize and manage common dermatological disorders in an efficient and professional manner; use diverse and effective teaching methods to educate doctors, students and the populace, and provide high quality care to our clients.
Goals and Objectives
- To create an enabling environment for the training of dermatology specialists in the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Ituku-Ozalla.
- To produce proficient specialists with vital expertise to diagnose and treat dermatological and genitourinary medical disorders, who can function as consultant dermatologists and venereologists, and as clinical lecturers/researchers in appropriate academic Institutions.
VALUES
Our values are anchored on Accountability, Integrity, Excellence, Professionalism, Teamwork and Respect.
STRENGTHS
Over the past few years, there has been an improvement in the organization of the department. An increase in the patient database from hundreds/year in the 70s to thousands per year due to the turn of the millennium and uptake of dermatological services is creating a more viable field for training of students and research activities.
This is especially so because UNTH is a tertiary center which has patients accessing care from distant states of the country including Lagos State and the Federal Capital Territory. We also have a side laboratory manned by well-trained Medical Laboratory Scientists.
Consultants regularly update their knowledge by attending local and international conferences which help them stay abreast of current best practices as the tempo needed for further capacity development is high.
Products and Services offered by the Department of Dermatology
The Dermatology department offers training opportunities for residents from the Departments of Medicine, Paediatrics, Family Medicine and Community Medicine preparing for the Part I Fellowship Examinations of the respective Postgraduate Medical Colleges.
Junior residents in Internal Medicine also rotate through the Department on a trimonthly basis and this is a prerequisite for attempting the Part I Fellowship Examination. Medical and Dentistry students also do a three and two week rotation respectively in the Department.
We provide excellent skin care in addition to creating awareness of skin diseases through patient education, radio programs, organized seminars and conferences. We continuously disseminate information on the deleterious effects of certain skin care products especially skin lightening agents while also teaching on the benefits of sun protection.
Patient dermatology clinical services include procedures such as biopsies, lumpectomies, intralesional injections, podophyllin applications and IV cytotoxic therapies. For patients who require cosmetic dermatology, this is carried out as per request since payment for procedures are largely out-of-pocket and for those who have insurance, cosmetic dermatological services are not usually covered. Facilities are available for chemotherapy and post- biopsy recovery for patients.
We provide care to patients with albinism and occasionally give out free samples of sunscreen and sun protective clothing to them. We also provide paediatric dermatology and STI services amongst others.
Clinical Services
The Department of Dermatology provides the following clinical and specialized services at the skin clinic of the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital , Ituku Ozalla:
- General Dermatology and Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) clinics
- Albino clinic
- Rheumatology clinic
- Pediatric Dermatology consultations
- Investigative and Cosmetic Dermatology
Clinic Schedule
- Prof. G.A. O Ozoh
Mondays/Tuesdays: Dermatology
Fridays: Albino/Leprosy Clinic
- Dr C.L.Onyekonwu
Mondays/Tuesdays: Dermatology
Wednesdays: HIV Clinic
- Dr U. R. Ojinmah
Mondays/Tuesdays/Wednesdays: Dermatology
- Dr J.B.Uche-Ejekwu
Mondays/Tuesdays/Wednesdays: Dermatology