LAS Fellow Professor Faadiel Essop Edits New Volume on Decolonization in Medical Education, Research and Practice

The Liberia Academy of Sciences (LAS) is pleased to share a recent scholarly publication by Professor Faadiel Essop, Fellow of the Liberia Academy of Sciences, who has edited the new volume Decolonization Medical Education, Research and Practice, published by Academic Press.

The volume examines medical education, research and clinical practice through the lens of history, equity and inclusion. While recognising the major scientific and technological advances made by modern medicine, it also considers how social justice, access to health care and resources, and long-standing Eurocentric epistemic frameworks continue to influence contemporary medical systems.

The book does not seek to replace established medical practice. Instead, it aims to broaden contemporary thinking by examining the colonial roots of modern medicine and the ways in which these historical legacies continue to shape research, education and clinical practice. Particular attention is given to the need for more inclusive health systems and for clinicians and biomedical scientists to understand health within wider historical, social and institutional contexts.

A central contribution of the volume is its effort to bring together issues that are often discussed separately across medical research, teaching and clinical practice. It addresses the continuing impact of colonialism and scientific racism while also exploring approaches that may help practitioners, educators and researchers respond more effectively within their respective fields.

The volume also gives particular space to perspectives from the Global South, with contributions from scholars whose experiences can help broaden international discussions on the future of medicine, medical education and biomedical research. The inclusion of contributors from different areas of medicine further provides a multidisciplinary perspective on these issues.

Professor Essop is Director of the Centre for Cardio-metabolic Research in Africa (CARMA) in the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences at Stellenbosch University. His work spans medical physiology, cardio-metabolic research, postgraduate training and academic leadership.

For LAS, the publication is particularly relevant to wider discussions on strengthening medical education, research capacity and equitable health systems in Africa. Ensuring that scientific and medical knowledge is responsive to local contexts, while remaining connected to international standards and advances, is an important part of building stronger and more sustainable health and research systems.

The Liberia Academy of Sciences congratulates Professor Faadiel Essop and the contributing authors on the publication of this volume and welcomes continued sharing of significant research, publications and academic developments across the LAS Fellow community.