Growing up in The Gambia, Ebrima Danso, MS/MLS '25, had an innate curiosity for science and dreamt of a career in medicine. He admired how physicians in his community were revered for their role in caring for others, but due to financial constraints and limited scholarship opportunities at the time, he was unable to pursue medicine immediately after high school.
His journey took a transformative turn when he was recruited as a laboratory technician by the Medical Research Council Unit The Gambia at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, where he earned his bachelor's degree in Biomedical Science. This experience introduced him to the world of biomedical research and medical diagnostics, revealing the important role laboratory work plays in patient care.
Reflecting on this period, Danso was able to see how laboratory test results influence about 70% of clinical decisions—diagnosis, treatment and discharge planning. “I realized that even without direct patient interaction, I could make a big impact on healthcare, specifically patient care by providing accurate lab results that guide clinicians' decisions,” he said.
When considering where to advance his education, the Master's in Medical Laboratory Science program at PCOM Georgia was a natural fit. The school's mission to address the growing need for healthcare professionals in Georgia and the surrounding states resonated with Danso and where he grew up.
As student ambassador and peer mentor, Danso has been recognized as an outstanding student and was inducted into the Alpha Epsilon Lambda Graduate Honor Society—a testament to his academic excellence and leadership.
He credits his mentors for helping him along his journey: “From laboratory skills provided by Mr. Karamo Camara and Mr. Musa Colley, to theoretical and practical insights from Dr. Mustapha Bittaye and Dr. Alansana Darboe, each mentor has played a role in shaping my skills and love for science.”
Under the leadership of Professor Andrew Prentice, a highlight of his education has been meeting and interacting with many globally-recognized scientists, including Professor Peter Piot, co-discoverer of the Ebola virus, whose work continues to motivate him.
“Medical Laboratory Scientists are like the FBI agents of the medical world—investigating diseases from blood and tissue samples, and providing clinicians with critical information to treat their patients effectively,” he said. “It's a noble profession that I am proud to be part of.”
Danso's immediate goal is to obtain his MLS certification from the American Society for Clinical Pathology within the next few months. Beyond that, he aspires to work as a medical laboratory scientist and a lecturer for the next generation of professionals and plans to contribute to organizations advancing medical laboratory science across the United States and internationally.
“I am very proud to be the only member of my immediate family to have obtained a Western education, made possible by my eldest brother's unwavering support.”
His unique journey, which at times has been filled with challenges, exemplifies dedication, curiosity, and a passion for making a difference through science.
PCOM Georgia has been serving students and the community for 20 years as a branch campus of Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM), a private, not-for-profit, accredited institution of higher education established in 1899. Located in Suwanee (Gwinnett County), PCOM Georgia offers doctoral degrees in osteopathic medicine, pharmacy and physical therapy. Graduate degrees are offered in biomedical sciences, medical laboratory science and physician assistant studies. The campus joins PCOM South Georgia in Moultrie in helping to meet the healthcare needs of the state. Emphasizing "a whole person" approach to care, PCOM Georgia focuses on educational excellence, interprofessional education and service to the community. For more information, visit pcom.edu or call 678-225-7500. The campus is also home to the Georgia Osteopathic Care Center, an osteopathic manipulative medicine clinic, which is open to the public by appointment. For more information, visit pcomgeorgiahealth.org.
For general media inquiries, please contact the Office of Marketing and Communications at 215-871-6300 or communications@pcom.edu. Visit our media relations page to view contact information for public relations personnel.
Joy Deibert
Assistant Director, News and Media Relations
Office of Marketing and Communications
Email: joyde@pcom.edu
Office: 470-572-7558
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