A Gambian clinical academician at the University of Aberdeen in Scotland, Dr. James Ndow, who just turned 40, was recently elevated to the position of Professor of Urology. Professor Ndow is the second son of Dr. Peter J. Ndow of Fajara, a former medical practitioner and head of the Gambia’s Medical and Health Services.

According to a press release from the University of Aberdeen, Professor Ndow has put Aberdeen’s urology expertise on the map. Professor Ndow, a urology expert, is a co-founder and Managing Director of a urological cancer charity, UCAN, and a Consultant Urological surgeon. He is one of a few world-renowned experts in the field of urology.

Reacting to his elevation to this prestigious and enviable position, Professor Ndow expressed his delight at the appointment and attributed it to efforts of the hard work of the urology department team. He said:”I am absolutely thrilled about being appointed professor of Urology, but I truly believe that my promotion is a reflection of the tremendous work and dedication of everyone in the urological research team. It is also great news for our charity UCAN, which is aiming at raising 2 million pounds by the end of 2008 to set up a urological research center of excellence in Aberdeen.”

The Director of the University’s Health Services Research Unit, Professor Grant, who has worked with professor Ndow over the last few years, said this about him: “His promotion is richly deserved: through wisdom, energy and perseverance, in a short time he has forged an international quality research programme that is making a highly significant contribution to improving the care of people with urological problems.”

The Head of the University’s School of Medicine, Professor Mike Greaves has acknowledged Professor James Ndow as being “exceptionally successful in taking forward urology research in Aberdeen. He is innovative and shows great enthusiasm for collaboration in research. His work is increasingly recognised internationally and includes research which impacts directly on the delivery of care to patients with urological conditions”.

As part of his pioneering research and clinical work, Professor Ndow visits The Gambia from time to time, to render free services to patients with urological problem. Urological cancers are among the most common cancers, including prostrate, bladder, kidney and testes, and make up one in three cancers in men and one in five of all cancers in women.

Professor James Ndow, a product of St. Augustine’s High School in Banjul, worked briefly at MRC in Fajara before proceeding to the University of Aberdeen to study medicine, following in the footsteps of his father.

Professor James Ndow’s achievement in his field of expertise should be proudly celebrated by Gambians, because not only has he put Aberdeen’s urological research on the map, but he has shown what Gambians are capable of achieving given the right environment and opportunity. “To attain the position of professor in the medical field at the age of 40 is no mean achievement