Dr Penelope Adinku, a young female doctor, has made history as the first-ever female cardiothoracic surgeon in Ghana.
With this achievement, Dr Adinku joins the ranks of Ghanaian women who attained first in their fields, including the late Constance Ama Emefa Edjeani-Afenu, who became Ghana’s first female Brigadier/Major General.
The young, gifted and brilliant doctor has made another historic move as she completed her first heart treatment successfully. Dr. Adinku successfully repairs a 6-Year-Old girl’s heart in a surgical procedure. This accomplishment paves the path for women with a quest to become cardiothoracic surgeons.
While challenges for women pursuing STEM programmes could be daunting, Dr Adinku has shown that it is possible. Dr. Penelope Adinku feels it has taken so long for Ghana to have its first female cardiothoracic surgeon because of the demanding nature of the speciality, which makes it difficult for women to balance work and family obligations.
Besides making history, she has shattered the glass ceiling that will shape the paradigms of young girls for generations. They now know their dreams and goals are valid.
