By: Trokon Wrepue – trokon1992seokin@gmail.com
Monrovia – Major Dr. Albertha Clark Kollie is Liberia’s first female general surgeon working as the Commander of the 14 Military Hospital and the medical command of the Armed Forces of Liberia.
Like many other successful women, Dr. Clark-Kollie success did not come on silver platter.
As a child, she grew her inspiration from her late grand aunty Albertha Johnson who worked as a midwife at a local clinic on Newport Street, a street in the heart of Monrovia, Liberia’s capital.
“The way I saw her take care of the pregnant women and those who were sick inspired me. The next person who inspired me was my aunty. When I was little in 2nd Grade, we found out that she had heart disease/heart failure and I told her that I was going to get big enough to work on her heart. That inspired me.” She said.
Speaking in a video posted by Lonestar Cell MTN as part of international women’s day celebration, Dr. Clark-Kollie explained the challenges she encountered to acquire the knowledge she carries today.
Challenges at Medical School
Major Dr. Albertha Clark-Kollie said while doing her post graduate medical study, she found herself as the only lady in a medical class dominated by men.
“I was the only lady in the class. One point in time, one of the teachers told me that I was defiant and I being not lady-like – trying to be a surgeon and he was going to make that I wasn’t going to become a general surgeon. So, that alone almost broke me down but then other professors talked to me and told me that only person who can stop you is yourself. And so those are some of the challenges.” Dr. Kollie noted.
As a military personal, Dr. Clark-Johnson also faced challenges in joining the military. She mentioned specifically the training session needed to be covered before becoming a full military personal.
“Coming on to the military while trying to join, of course the training and everything were challenging but those are challenges we have conquered by the grace of God.”
What Does Dr. Clark-Kollie Envision?
Dr. Clark-Kollie, the top military personnel envision that Liberian women are going to do better and grow – making reference to Defense Minister Geraldine Geroge who is Liberia’s first woman Defense Minister.
“If she can ascend to that position in the Military and then to national defense, I know that women have a better future.”
Minster Geraldine George served different positions in the Armed Forces of Liberia. Notably amongst them, she served as Deputy Chief of Staff and was later appointed Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of Liberia.
What can young women learn?
“My story will inspire other young women. Always pray and put God first and that’s what I have always done. My journey is not something that is known out there yet but we intend to do a book and you will get to know what it is. Just by seeing me in this position, you can be inspired by that.” She noted.
She encouraged other young women to remain focus and should not compare themselves with women who are no at the top.
Dr. Clark-Kollie challenged the women of Liberia go for what they believe in and beat the trials in order to be successful.
The first female surgeon shared her story in a podcast released by Lonestar Cell as part of International Women Day celebration.
