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Meet Dr Martha Tufuor-Kokor, a physician based in Ghana, whose journey into medicine has been both challenging and rewarding. Martha, the fourth of six children, grew up in a close-knit family where two distinct career paths emerged—law and medicine. While her sister and two brothers pursued law, Martha led the way into medicine, later joined by two of her brothers.
“Family is very important to me,” Martha shares, reflecting on her strong family bonds, “I’ve got 12 nieces and nephews now, and though we lost our mum earlier this year, we remain a close unit.” Martha, who has been married for three years, spends much of her time at the hospital, but cherishes moments when she can unwind by watching Premier League matches, especially when her favourite team, Arsenal, is playing. “I always make sure I catch their games, even if it means multitasking!” she laughs.
Martha’s medical journey began in 2012 when she completed medical school and started her training in various specialties, including obstetrics, paediatrics, surgery, and internal medicine. Her passion for internal medicine grew during her time at the Greater Accra Regional Hospital, where she worked closely with a cardiologist. “I found myself loving internal medicine,” she recalls. This led her to specialise in internal medicine with the Ghana College of Physicians, and recently, she began pursuing a fellowship in nephrology.
Connecting with Worldwide Radiology: A turning point
Martha’s involvement with Worldwide Radiology (WWR) began in 2022, when she saw an advertisement for POCUS (Point of Care Ultrasound) training. “I was curious about ultrasound and thought it would be interesting to join the course,” she says. Despite having no prior experience in ultrasound, she was encouraged by her colleague Pascal, who assured her that no prior skills were needed.
The POCUS training turned out to be transformative for Martha. “It was exceptional and truly life-changing,” she says. The training not only broadened her skills but also highlighted the importance of ultrasound in clinical practice, especially in settings with limited resources. Inspired by the impact of the course, Martha decided to become a POCUS trainer herself. “Now, I’m able to train others, and it’s very exciting. I feel very lucky,” she adds.
Using POCUS in daily practice
Martha now frequently uses POCUS in her practice, especially in emergency settings. “In the emergency department, I use it three or four times a week,” she explains.
One of the most memorable cases for Martha involved a patient who came to the hospital with symptoms that led the initial team to believe he had a severe liver condition. “The patient was thought to have decompensated liver disease,” Martha recalls. “The doctors had already ordered a range of tests for hepatitis B and C, along with other investigations.” However, when Martha examined the patient, she suspected something different.
“I decided to use my handheld ultrasound device to take a closer look at his liver,” she explains. “The liver looked congested, and there was fluid in his abdomen, as well as swelling in both legs.” Concerned that these symptoms might be linked to a heart condition rather than a liver issue, she decided to use POCUS to examine his heart.
“Immediately, it became clear that the heart was barely contracting,” Martha says. “The patient was actually suffering from heart failure, not liver disease.” This revelation changed everything. The team quickly adjusted the treatment plan to address the heart failure, and the patient’s condition improved dramatically. “Having the skills to use POCUS saved valuable time and allowed us to avoid a misdiagnosis that could have been fatal,” she notes. “It was also critical for the patient, who couldn’t afford the full range of diagnostic tests that would otherwise have been needed.”
In another instance, Martha describes how POCUS helped her navigate a challenging situation where diagnostic resources were limited. “Often, X-ray machines in our hospitals don’t work, or patients can’t afford the ambulance fees to get these scans done at another facility,” she explains. “This can cause significant delays in diagnosing and treating patients.”
With POCUS, however, Martha was able to intervene swiftly. She recalls a situation in the emergency department where a patient was referred to have a chest tube inserted due to suspected fluid accumulation in the lungs. “Instead of immediately proceeding with an invasive procedure, I used POCUS to check for fluid,” she says. “In several cases, it turned out that no drainage was needed, sparing the patient unnecessary intervention.” For those who did require drainage, the ultrasound confirmed the diagnosis, ensuring that only the necessary treatments were carried out.
Even outside of emergency care, POCUS has become a vital tool for Martha. “In situations where resources are limited, like when X-ray machines aren’t working, POCUS helps me make decisions right at the bedside,” she says. In her nephrology practice, too, POCUS has proven invaluable, such as when diagnosing hydronephrosis in a patient, avoiding unnecessary delays and expenses.
“POCUS allows us to make these critical decisions right at the bedside,” Martha adds. “It’s incredibly valuable in environments where every minute counts and where financial constraints can severely limit the tests we can perform.”
Becoming a POCUS trainer and mentor
Martha’s passion for POCUS led her to take on the role of trainer and mentor. “Being a POCUS trainer has been a wonderful experience,” she shares. This year, a mentorship programme was introduced by the University of Salford team who deliver the POCUS training together with Worldwide Radiology. Martha quickly saw its impact. “It feels great to help people and see them grow in their skills,” she says. “It’s also a fantastic networking opportunity—I’ve met so many professionals in this community.”
Martha enjoys guiding trainees, recognising that each person learns differently and may need varying levels of support. “It’s been a valuable experience understanding the different needs of each trainee,” she explains. “And even though I’m a trainer, I’m still learning a lot myself. It’s more fulfilling than I initially thought.”
Teaching POCUS has opened new avenues for Martha, who also loves teaching medical students and residents. “POCUS is a new direction in training for me,” she says. “It makes my work more exciting and fulfilling.”
Through her dedication and enthusiasm, Dr Martha Tufuor-Kokor is not only shaping her own career but also helping to develop the next generation of healthcare professionals in Ghana. Her story is a testament to the power of continued learning and the impact that innovative tools like POCUS can have in transforming patient care.
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