Einstein's Dr. Merkatz Honored by Ghanaian Chieftain for Efforts Abroad

On a sunny September Sunday afternoon, members of the Bronx’ Ghanaian community gathered at Maestro’s catering hall, dressed in their festive best, to honor Dr. Irwin R. Merkatz with a special “outdooring ceremony.” The event featured the chief of Adukrom, Ghana—Nana Otutu Kono III—naming Dr. Merkatz a subchief (Dompeahene) of Adukrom.

Irwin R. Merkatz, M.D.Dr. Merkatz, who has been professor and university chair of obstetrics & gyneycology and women’s health at Einstein and its University Hospital Montefiore Medical Center for 33 years, was being formally recognized for his commitment to participate in an effort to train 1,000 sub-Saharan African physicians in-country, to help address maternal and infant mortality issues in the West African nation, and to help stem the “brain-drain” that occurs when doctors leave their homeland for training only to stay abroad when that training is completed.

In introducing Dr. Merkatz’ honor, Nana Otutu Kono III noted, “Chiefs are not only custodians of culture, but of progress and change. We see to the enhancement of the development of our people, improving their lives and livelihood. And, we as chiefs, must be at the forefront of hope toward achieving our goals.”

Demonstrated Leadership

Dais with chiefs and queensThe goal of addressing maternal and infant mortality is particularly critical in Ghana, where 350 out of every 100,000 live births leads to death of either mother or child, shared Dr. Kofi Adu, a Ghanaian physician from Adukrom who has a practice in the Bronx. “That’s compared with just 6 of every 100,000 live births in the United States.”

He then explained, “The chief selects people with intelligence and wisdom to advise him on matters of the town. These subchiefs work directly with the chief. Nana Merkatz Darko Larbi II Dompeahene of Adukrom is a subchief and is directly under Nana Otutu Kono III.”

Then addressing the chief, Dr. Adu said, “Nana, we Ghanaian abroad perceive healthcare differently from those in Ghana, having been exposed to advances in technology and in healthcare in the developed countries. We believe that not much attention or resources are being put into the advancement of healthcare in the country… Neonatal, infant and maternal mortalities are very high… This is where we have to show our gratitude and appreciation for the interest of Montefiore Medical Center, in particular the department of obstetrics and gynecology, is showing in improving healthcare in our area. We cannot solve all our healthcare needs overnight, but we are hoping that this initiative will be the beginning.”

Drs. Edward R. Burns, executive dean at Einstein and Andrew Racine, senior vice president at MontefioreInterspersed with cultural dances and drumming that are traditional to an “outdooring ceremony,” numerous speakers over the five-hour event shared their insights on the initiative to be undertaken under Dr. Merkatz’ leadership and about Dr. Merkatz himself.

Accolades and Gratitude

Among those offering congratulations to Dr. Merkatz was Dr. Edward R. Burns, executive dean at Einstein, who noted, “Dr. Merkatz is a champion of chiefs not only in the Bronx, but in all of the United States. When he came to Einstein and Montefiore, he built the first women’s health center in the Bronx. It was also the first in New York City. He changed the name of obstetrics and gynecology to include women’s health. And he built the largest training program in the country.”

Dr. Burns continued, “He was a prophet, a seer, and he saw where all of the care for women was going internationally. Now, he’s looking to economically disadvantaged women in the world and helping them. We share our pride in Dr. Merkatz as one of our own, in making him one of your own.”

From left (seated) Drs. Diana Wolfe, Irwin R. Merkatz and Alex Boafo; (standing) Drs. Kafui Demasio and Peter KlatskyDr. Andrew Racine, senior vice president at Einstein’s University Hospital, Montefiore Medical Center, also offered comments and congratulations. He observed, “Dr. Merkatz looks not only to the people of our borough, but to the places they come from. The Bronx is where people come to get started. It’s a source of richness and great diversity. And there’s no greater legacy as a physician than to share one’s knowledge with colleagues and others as Dr. Merkatz has done.”

At the conclusion of the ceremony, Dr. Merkatz offered his own thanks. He also noted, “I’m thrilled that my young grandchildren, who are here with me today, can see what one can accomplish if he or she devotes his or her life to knowledge and service to others… I’m proud I’ve chosen Ghana as my current choice of service, and am truly thankful for the honor you have given me tonight.”

Nana Otutu Kono III had originally named Dr. Merkatz a subchief in Ghana, earlier this year. The special ceremony in the Bronx, organized by Dr. Alex Boafo, a Ghanaian doctor who is an attending physician in obstetrics & gynecology and women’s health at Montefiore, offered a way to celebrate the honor with local members of the Ghanaian community. In addition to coordinating the event, Dr. Boafo offered an ancestral prayer and opening remarks.

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