Liberia Medical and Dental Council Installs New Leadership
Today, the Liberia Medical and Dental Council (LMDC) officially installed its new leadership team at a ceremony held in the lobby of the John F. Kennedy Medical Center in Monrovia.
Dr. Ayun K. Cassell III was sworn in as Chairperson, while Mr. Theophilus Tamba Fayiah was reinstated as Co-Chairperson of the LMDC.
Delivering remarks during the ceremony, Dr. Robert M. Kpoto, founding and first Chairperson of the LMDC, provided an overview of the Council’s history. He urged the incoming leadership to build upon the legacy of their predecessors and to strive toward accomplishments that earlier leaders could only envision.
Outgoing Chairperson, Dr. Benetta Collins Andrews, reflected on her tenure. She expressed that her mission as Chairperson was always rooted in service to both patients and the country’s medical institutions. She extended gratitude to the members of the Council for their support and collaboration throughout her leadership.
In his inaugural address, Dr. Cassell described the occasion not only as a milestone but as a renewed commitment to advancing medicine, dentistry, and public health across Liberia. He extended thanks to the Liberia Medical and Dental Association (LMDA) and the LMDC for their trust and nomination and expressed appreciation to His Excellency President Joseph Nyumah Boakai for the ARREST Agenda—a bold national vision aimed at delivering accessible, affordable, and high-quality health services to all Liberians.
Dr. Cassell emphasized that the Ministry of Health has already begun aligning its efforts with this agenda, which he says mirrors the mission of the LMDC. He paid tribute to Professor Robert M. Kpoto for his vision and foresight in laying the foundation of the Council and pledged to build upon that legacy.
He stated that the LMDC, under his leadership, will prioritize the implementation of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) that protect both patients and healthcare professionals. Furthermore, he highlighted the Council’s commitment to supporting health-related legislation that is both practical and impactful.
It is crucial that all licensed practitioners—interns, doctors, and allied health professionals operate within a clearly defined regulatory framework in line with global best practices to ensure patient safety,” Dr. Cassell stressed.
In closing, he announced plans to launch a digital transformation strategy that includes:
1. A centralized digital licensing system – for real-time tracking, automated validation, and transparent approval processes.
2. An integrated CRM platform – to manage health facility relations, billing, and compliance efficiently.
3. A unified stakeholder portal – offering 24/7 access for document submissions, license renewals, and resources.
Also speaking at the ceremony, Dr. Linda A. Birch, Chief Executive Officer of the John F. Kennedy Medical Center, expressed full confidence in Dr. Cassell’s ability to lead the LMDC and contribute meaningfully to the work of the LMDA. She stated, “I am more than confident that Dr. Cassell will deliver effectively and uphold the standards of excellence we strive for.