Dr. Verna Delaenam Naa Kwadua Vanderpuye MB ChB, FWACS, FGCP, FASCO

Verna Delaenam Naa Kwadua Vanderpuye is a distinguished Consultant Radiation and Clinical Oncologist currently serving as the Deputy Director of the National Center for Radiotherapy and Oncology in Accra, Ghana. She also holds an adjunct professorship at the Department of Oncology at Queen’s University in Kingston, Ontario, Canada. With over two decades of dedicated service, she has significantly contributed to cancer treatment, education, and multidisciplinary cancer management, particularly in resource-constrained settings.

Her academic journey began with earning her MB ChB from KNUST in Ghana, followed by a fellowship with the West African Postgraduate College of Surgeons in Therapeutic Radiology. She further advanced her expertise through a fellowship in Medical Oncology at the University of Chicago and a certificate in health management from the Ghana Institute of Management. Dr. Vanderpuye has been pivotal in establishing Ghana’s first postgraduate radiotherapy and oncology training program, underscoring her commitment to building local capacity in cancer care.

In her role as an educator, Dr. Vanderpuye has influenced a generation of medical professionals through her teaching and mentorship. She has served as a lecturer at the University of Ghana, Family Health University College, and international institutions such as the International Cancer Institute in Kenya and the University of Rwanda. Her contributions include curriculum development, dissertation supervision, and the delivery of specialized courses in systemic therapy, radiotherapy, and oncology emergencies.

Dr. Vanderpuye’s influence extends beyond the classroom and clinic into global oncology policy and research. She has actively contributed to WHO guidelines on cancer pain management and medical devices, and she has played a leading role in harmonizing NCCN guidelines for sub-Saharan Africa. As a reviewer and editorial board member of prominent journals like *Lancet Oncology* and *JCO Global Oncology*, she advocates for the visibility of African-led cancer research. Her authorship spans over 100 peer-reviewed articles and 12 book chapters, alongside numerous technical reports.

Her professional memberships include the African Organization for Research and Treatment in Cancer, the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), and the European Society of Radiotherapy and Oncology, among others. She has held leadership positions such as the Treasurer of AORTIC and Chair of ASCO’s International Affairs Committee. Dr. Vanderpuye has also been recognized with prestigious awards, including the ASCO International Women Who Conquer Cancer Mentorship Award and the Audrey Meyer Mars International Clinical Oncology Fellowship.

Dr. Vanderpuye’s commitment to global oncology is reflected in her roles on international advisory boards, grant review committees, and high-level speaking engagements. She continues to shape the future of cancer care through her focus on developing resource-appropriate quality metrics for radiotherapy and systemic cancer care in low- and middle-income countries. Her pragmatic approach, innovative mindset, and unwavering dedication make her a key figure in advancing cancer care and education on the continent and beyond.

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