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\begin{document}

\title{Obstetric Capacity Strengthening in Ghana Results in Wide Geographic
Distribution and Retention of Certified Obstetrician-Gynecologists: A
Quantitative Analysis}



\author[1]{Melani Kekulawala}%
\author[2]{Ali Samba}%
\author[1]{Yael Braunschweig}%
\author[3]{Jacob  Plange-Rhule}%
\author[4]{Cornelius  Turpin}%
\author[5]{Timothy  Johnson }%
\author[6]{Frank Anderson}%
\affil[1]{University of Michigan School of Public Health}%
\affil[2]{Korle Bu Teaching Hospital}%
\affil[3]{Ghana College of Physicians and Surgeons}%
\affil[4]{Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital}%
\affil[5]{University of Michigan Michigan Medicine}%
\affil[6]{University of Michigan}%


\vspace{-1em}



  
  \date{March 17, 2025}


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\begin{abstract}
Objectives: Our primary objective to determine the cumulative retention
of Ob/Gyns since the inception of the program, to determine the
demographic and practice characteristics of all Ob/Gyns who have been
trained by the Ghana postgraduate Ob/Gyn programs, and to compare the
geographic distribution of Ob/Gyns throughout Ghana between 2010 when a
prior study was conducted and the current practice locations of all
graduates in 2017. Design: Cross-sectional, Quantitative Investigation
Setting: Fieldwork for this study was conducted in Ghana between June
21, 2017, and August 20, 2017. Methods: A roster of certified Ob/Gyns,
year certified, and email contact information was obtained from the
Ghana College of Physicians and Surgeons, a roster of practice locations
was obtained from Ghana Medical Board. Main Outcome Measures: retention
of Ob/Gyns, geographic distribution of providers, fand comparisons
between 2010 and 2017 Results: Significant geographic spread and
increase in in-country medical programs have occurred over the
seven-year period. In recent years, the Ghana College of Physicians and
Surgeons surpassed that of the West African College of Surgeons.
Conclusion: Establishing an Ob/gyn training program with national
certification provides a cadre of certified Ob/Gyns that can be trained
and retained in low-income settings. Moreover, this allows for long term
commitment in multiple relevant sectors that may serve to establish a
comprehensive obstetric and gynecology capacity beyond urban centers.%
\end{abstract}%



\sloppy


Obstetric Capacity Strengthening in Ghana Results in Wide Geographic
Distribution and Retention of Certified Obstetrician-Gynecologists: A
Quantitative Analysis

Melani Kekulawala\textsuperscript{1,2}, Ali Samba\textsuperscript{3},
Yael Braunschweig\textsuperscript{1,4}, Jacob
Plange-Rhule\textsuperscript{5}, Cornelius Turpin\textsuperscript{6},
Timothy R.B. Johnson\textsuperscript{7}, Frank W.J.
Anderson*\textsuperscript{1,7}

\textsuperscript{1}University of Michigan, School of Public Health,
Department of Health Behavior and Health Education

\textsuperscript{2}University of Toledo, College of Medicine and Life
Sciences

\textsuperscript{3}Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University
of Ghana

\textsuperscript{4}Department of Primary Care and Population Health,
Stanford University

\textsuperscript{5}Ghana College of Physicians and Surgeons

\textsuperscript{6}Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kwame
Nkrumah University of Science and Technology

\textsuperscript{7}Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University
of Michigan

*Corresponding Author:

Frank W.J. Anderson

University of Michigan, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology

Address: 1540 E Hospital Drive, Ann Arbor, MI

Email: fwja@umich.edu

Phone: (734) 904-1852

Running Title: Obstetric Capacity Strengthening in Ghana

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