Leadership Transition at the LMDC

– Dr. Ayun K. Cassell III Elected as New Chairperson of the Liberia Medical and Dental Council

The Liberia Medical and Dental Council (LMDC), during its July 2025 Council meeting, elected Dr. Ayun K. Cassell III, FICS, FLCS, FACS, as its new Chairperson and Theophilus Tamba Fayiah re-elected as Co-chair.

Dr. Cassell succeeds Dr. Benetta Collins-Andrews, who completed her term and opted not to seek re-election. Dr. Collins-Andrews served with distinction, leading transformational reforms that strengthened LMDC’s institutional capacity and its impact across Liberia’s healthcare system. Her legacy of excellence, collaboration, and service will continue to inspire LMDC and the broader health community.

Dr. Cassell is no stranger to LMDC. He has served on various committees and, during his internship, led a team of interns in monitoring and clinical supervision on Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) across several hospitals.

With over 12 years of medical experience and a strong background in healthcare regulation, Dr. Cassell brings a wealth of expertise and a bold vision to the Council. A renowned Urological Surgeon, who previously served as President of the Liberia Medical and Dental Association, currently serves as an Assistant Professor of Urology and Consultant Urologist at the John F. Kennedy Medical Center, under the Department of Surgery and the Liberia College of Physicians and Surgeons.

Dr. Cassell’s academic and clinical contributions focus on urogenital malignancies, including prostate, bladder, kidney, and penile cancers. He has co-authored over 45 peer-reviewed publications, peer-reviewed more than 100 manuscripts, and authored three academic editorials. He is an esteemed fellow and member of several international professional bodies, including:

– American College of Surgeons

– International College of Surgeons

– American Urological Association

– Faculty of Surgical Trainers – Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh

Dr. Cassell earned his Doctor of Medicine (MD) from the A.M. Dogliotti College of Medicine, fellow by examination of the Liberia College of Physicians and Surgeons faculty of Surgery and completed his Urology Fellowship at Hôpital Général Idrissa Pouye in Dakar, Senegal. He also holds multiple international certifications in surgical and urological care.

Notably, in 2021, Dr. Cassell and his late wife, Lydia Olasupo, co-founded UROCARE, a specialized clinic offering urological services to the Liberian population.

Beyond his clinical and academic work, Dr. Cassell has served in various teaching and leadership roles, including as a lecturer at United Methodist University and African Methodist Episcopal Zion University, and as a volunteer with the Liberia National Red Cross Society.

The LMDC warmly welcomes Dr. Ayun K. Cassell III and looks forward to a continued path of excellence and innovation in medical regulation across Liberia.

Theophilus Tamba Fayiah, who will serve his second term as Co-chair, will be inducted into office with Dr. Cassell on Friday, July 18, 2025, at the John F. Kennedy Ground Round.

Please join us in welcoming Dr. Cassell and thanking Dr. Benetta Collins-Andrews for her dedicated service to the Council and the nation.

Ministry of Health, Republic of Liberia

World Health Organization (WHO) World Health Organization Liberia West African College Of Surgeons