MEMORIAL

A Legacy of Distinction: Professor Adeyinka Charles Adisa (1965–2020) M.B.B.S (Ibadan), FWACS, FACS, FICS

 

Adeyinka (Adisco) was born in Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria, on January 5, 1965 and passed on December 28, 2020. He attended St. Michaels’ Anglican Primary School, Esinele in Oyo, Oyo State (1971–1976) and Abiodun Atiba Memorial Institute in Oyo, Oyo State (1976–1981), before getting admission into Nigeria’s premier medical school, the College of Medicine, University of Ibadan (1982–1988). From here on, he embarked on a lifelong but accelerated journey in the West African world of surgery. He had postgraduate training in surgery at the University College Hospital, Ibadan (1991–1993) and at the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Enugu (1993–1995).

Adisa was a man of eminence and the best student in his primary school, and was awarded a distinction in 1976. He obtained Grade I with Distinction in his secondary school West African Examination Council (WAEC) examinations in 1981. He also graduated with Distinction (Anatomy) from the University of Ibadan, 1988, an honor equivalent to the First Class Degree in Medicine and Surgery. Besides, he completed his postgraduate residency and fellowship training in surgery in a record 4 years, instead of 6. Furthermore, he defended his work at the West African College of Surgeons at the part II examination in 1995. Again, he excelled with Distinction. He obtained the highest scores and badged the ‘Jide Ajayi Gold Medal in Surgery’, which was awarded to the best graduating surgeon at the Finals of the West African College of Surgeons Examinations.

Professor Adisa was a distinguished surgeon, an astute examiner, a prolific writer, an accomplished farmer, and a proficient academic researcher. He had published over 100 manuscripts in academic journals and contributed to book chapters. He was a great teacher, and was always very extremely proud of showcasing many of his former students who had become successful clinicians and surgeons in the United States and around the world.

Until his death, he was an Editor for the Journal of Global Medicine, and Editor-in-Chief for the Journal of Medical Investigation and Practice. He was also an Examiner of West African College of Surgeons, the Chairman of the Outreach Committee of the West African College of Surgeons, member of the Court of Examiners of the Faculty of Surgery of the West African College of Surgeons and member, Accreditation teams of the West African College of Surgeons. In addition, he was the West African Coordinator of the Ptolemy Project: A joint initiative between the Office of International Surgery, University of Toronto, Canada, and the West African College of Surgeons to build capacity in academic research among Surgeons in the developing world. Moreover, he was a Fellow of West African College of Surgeons, American College of Surgeons, and International College of Surgeons.

While we on earth will ensure Adisa’s name is enshrined among great surgeons of West Africa, we pray that God enshrines his name among His servants and grant him glory and eternal life in Heaven. Adisa, you have completed your journey in this world. You were a brave soldier, God’s elite warrior and you fought with distinguished gallantry and valor above and beyond the regular call of duty. It’s time for you to rest. Sleep in the bosom of your Lord till we meet again.

We celebrate you today because of our Lord’s amazing grace.

(Professor Adisa was one of the founding editors of this journal - Ed.)

Abraham A. Ariyo, M.D. (Ibadan), M.P.H. (Harvard), FACC
Director, HeartMasters Cardiology
Interventional Cardiologist
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center, Sunnyvale
Texas, United States of America