Liberia Medical and Dental Council Questions Dr. Rockefeller Cooper’s Credential in Court, Assures Nothing Personal Against Him

Monrovia – In the ongoing legal dispute between the Liberia Medical and Dental Council (LMDC) and Dr. Rockefeller Cooper over credentials, LMDC Chairperson Dr. Benetta Collins-Andrews stated that the organization welcomes individuals seeking to strengthen the system but emphasized the importance of proper credentials.

Speaking to journalists outside the Civil Law Court in Monrovia, Dr. Andrews disclosed that upon assuming her role a year ago, she inherited a case involving Dr. Cooper and the LMDC. Dr. Cooper, who applied as a medical death investigator from the US, had submitted an application stating he was a forensic pathologist, leading to scrutiny by the LMDC’s credential committee.

Dr. Andrews explained that the committee requested additional proof of Dr. Cooper’s qualifications, and his lawyers have been presenting credentials. However, the LMDC is still awaiting additional materials for a thorough evaluation before licensing him.

“We absolutely hold nothing against anyone coming to improve our system. We just want to make sure they come with the right credentials to better our system,” added Dr. Andrews.

The LMDC is responsible for registering and licensing all health workers, handling medical malpractice cases, and establishing standards for healthcare facilities and training institutions in Liberia.

Dr. Andrews outlined the licensing categories, stating that a general practitioner must complete medical school and internship, while a specialist undergoes a three-year residency program. She emphasized the importance of obtaining relevant documents, such as US state licenses, residency training diplomas, and internship certificates for qualification.

Responding to the accusations, Dr. Cooper asserted that he provided the same documents to the LMDC as those presented in court, emphasizing that he sent them electronically from the United States.

Dr. Cooper alleged that the legal dispute arose from his outspoken criticism of autopsy reports during the George Weah-led administration. He deemed it a witch-hunt and retaliation, prompting him to seek legal recourse.

He clarified his application as a Forensic Medical Legal Death Investigator, distinguishing it from a pathologist, and expressed confidence in winning the case based on the presented facts.

By J.H. Webster Clayeh

FrontPage Africa

January 25, 2024