I serve as the Pro-Vice Chancellor at the University of Health and Allied Sciences (UHAS). In this role, I oversee academic and strategic initiatives aimed at fostering excellence in health education and research while strengthening UHAS’ global partnerships and institutional rankings.

An accomplished cardiothoracic surgeon and educator, I bring decades of experience in clinical care, academic leadership, and medical research. I am a graduate of the University of Ghana Medical School and have completed specialized training in pediatric and congenital heart surgery. I have held several prominent academic and leadership positions.

Prior to my current role, I served as the Dean of the School of Medicine at UHAS, where I spearheaded initiatives that strengthened academic programmes and research as well as postgraduate training in surgery at the Ho Teaching Hospital. My efforts have contributed to significant milestones, such as securing accreditation for postgraduate surgical training and expanding cardiovascular care services in Ghana. As the founding Head of the Cardiothoracic Centre at the Ho Teaching Hospital, I have championed life-saving cardiac care and collaborative research including a culturally adapted mHealth platform for management of hypertension in Ghana.

I am an active member of leading professional organizations, including the Society of Thoracic Surgeons of North America and the European Association for Cardiothoracic Surgery. I also serve on the Board of Directors of the Global Council on Education for Congenital Heart Surgery. I am an  Associate Chair of the World University for Pediatric & Congenital Heart Surgery, and Associate Editor of the World Journal for Pediatric & Congenital Heart Surgery.

With a robust academic portfolio, I have authored numerous publications in peer-reviewed journals and have been a key contributor to global and regional conferences. I serve as the President of the African Society for Pediatric and Congenital Heart Surgery and the 2nd Vice President of the World Society for Pediatric and Congenital Heart Surgery.

I am committed to advancing UHAS as a center of excellence in health sciences education and research. In my capacity as Pro-Vice Chancellor, I am dedicated to promoting the mission of UHAS to provide quality education, research, and healthcare that improve health outcomes and quality of life. My strategic vision includes fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, leveraging innovation, and enhancing UHAS’ global rankings, particularly in Sustainable Development Goal 3 (Good Health and Well-being).

Professor Lydia Aziato was appointed as the third Vice Chancellor of UHAS, effective August 2022, thereby adding UHAS to the short list of Ghanaian universities with female vice chancellors - the fifth in Ghana.

Professional Background

Prof. Aziato worked as a bedside nurse at Mamprobi Polyclinic, Accra before joining University of Ghana, Legon in 2001 after her first degree. She rose through the ranks from Senior Nurse Technician (2001-2006), to Assistant Lecturer (2006-2008), Lecturer (2008-2014), Senior Lecturer (2014-2017), Associate Professor (2017-2020) and Professor (2020). Thus, she has 21 years of experience in academia.

Prof. Aziato was the Head of Department for Adult Health at University of Ghana School of Nursing and Midwifery (2016-2018), Acting Dean (2017-2019) and Dean (2019-2022). She was the first substantive Dean of the School.

Prof. Aziato founded Research Mentorship Alliance, an NGO that gives her the platform to develop the research skills of young scientists in Ghana. Currently, she is the President of Chi Omicron Chapter of Sigma Theta Tau International (STTI), the second largest nursing organization globally. She is an active member of STTI and has served within this global space in many capacities, such as reviewer for awards, conference abstracts, and moderator of conference presentations.

Find below the link to Prof Lydia Aziato's publications

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