PhD student Lawrence’s COVID experience lands him top job

Today he has collected his PhD certificate in person, having made the journey to the UK for the very first time.  Lawrence Lartey was a physician working in emergency wards in Ghana, when he was told about the opportunities for distance learning that Salford offers. 

He met up with public health expert Professor Penny Cook, who was to become his PhD supervisor, and she encouraged him to apply as an overseas student to study online.

Lawrence said the experience he gained at Salford has been invaluable. He attributes his success in transitioning to a senior role in the Ghana Health Service to the analytical skills, and new ways of learning and thinking that he developed during his PhD studies.

“My studies were interrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic, when I was called on by the Government to assist in the national response to help contain the spread of Coronavirus.   

I was awarded with a Presidential honour for dedication and commitment as a frontliner in the COVID-19 fight, which was wonderful recognition for me. I now work in the Public Health Division of the Ghana Health Service, as the National Coordinator for Port Health under the leadership of the Director Public Health.

“I work with both local and international partners to ensure maximum protection of the population against the cross-border spread of diseases - with minimum interference on the movement of people, goods, and services.”

Penny takes up Lawrence’s story: “As part of his studies in public health he had developed an interest in the actions and policies that influence health care. His work in readying the hospital for COVID caught the attention of the Ghana Health Service, who employed him to collaborate with development partners like the World Health Organisation, UNICEF and the World Bank to help manage the pandemic. “

We asked why Lawrence wanted to leave his medical career in the first place, and to change direction to work in public health, he explained: “Ghana is a lower/middle income country (LMIC) with many health challenges. Public health measures afford the opportunity to promote health, prevent diseases, and prolong life. This has much greater impact and benefit more of the population, compared to the results a doctor working one-to-one with patients can have,” he explained.

Lawrence cannot thank the University of Salford, and the academics he has worked with over the course of his studies, enough. “Being qualified as a PhD graduate is a dream come true,” said Lawrence. “The end of the story here at my graduation is for everyone to see. I really appreciate all these wonderful people who have made it possible for me. My happiness at graduating is indescribable.”

PIC: Lawrence Larty with Research Supervisor Professor Penny Cook