Monrovia, Liberia – The president of Liberia’s Medical and Dental Association (LMDA), Dr. Peter Matthew George, has been barred from practicing medicine after a dramatic qualifications audit revealed that he may have misrepresented his academic credentials.
The Liberia Medical and Dental Council (LMDC) revoked Dr. George’s medical license in April after he failed to provide a legitimate certificate for his initial medical degree, which he claimed to have obtained from the University of Hertfordshire in the United Kingdom.
No Proof of UK Degree
According to the LMDC, George submitted an “award verification letter” that referred to an “MD” degree—a medical designation not typically awarded by UK universities. The Council also found that the University of Hertfordshire does not offer a medical degree program at all. For further details, read [The University of Hertfordshire’s Statement](https://www.herts.ac.uk/).
In a statement to the BBC, the university confirmed: “There is no evidence that this individual was ever awarded any degree by the University nor studied here. Any claim to the contrary is therefore false.”
George’s Response and Shift in Narrative
Despite previously listing Hertfordshire as his alma mater on LinkedIn, George later denied claiming his degree came from the UK. He now states that his medical training was completed at the University of Central Nicaragua.
“Maybe I made an error when writing because am under pressure,” George told the BBC. He insisted that he had been transparent with Liberian authorities since beginning his medical practice in 2014 and had served “diligently for over a decade.”
Political Tensions in the Health Sector
George contends the probe is politically motivated, stemming from his recent role as president of the LMDA. He has advocated for the rights of government-employed specialists and consultants, a stance that has stirred tensions within the sector.
Following the LMDC ruling, the LMDA has nullified his presidency and removed him from the association, a further blow to his reputation and influence in the country’s medical landscape.
Fallout and Wider Implications
The case has sparked national debate over credential verification and trust in medical leadership. It underscores the importance of rigorous qualification checks in public health systems and the need for transparency among top professionals.
The LMDC has stated that Dr. George had 15 working days to respond to the allegations, but no official reply was received within the stipulated timeframe.
With Liberia’s healthcare system already under pressure, the scandal may have long-term implications for public confidence in health governance and the credibility of its institutions.
For more updates on this story and related healthcare developments, visit our Africa News and Global Health sections.
