Dr. Peter Matthew George, former Medical Director of Esther & Jereline Medical Center and President of the Liberia Medical and Dental Council (LMDC), has been stripped of both his presidency and his medical license. This severe action stems from allegations of fraudulent medical credentials, effectively ending Dr. George’s medical career in Liberia. The LMDC initiated an investigation into Dr. George’s qualifications after discovering a lack of supporting documentation in their records. The subsequent inquiry revealed inconsistencies and ultimately led to the revocation of his license, barring him from practicing medicine anywhere in the country.
The LMDC’s decision, communicated officially on April 21, 2025, followed a thorough investigation by its Credentials Committee. The committee found that Dr. George failed to provide crucial documents, including his undergraduate medical certificate and internship certificate, both mandatory prerequisites for medical licensure in Liberia. Despite being given opportunities to furnish the necessary documentation, Dr. George’s submissions were deemed insufficient, leading the committee to recommend the immediate revocation of his license. This recommendation was subsequently endorsed by the LMDC, formally ending his right to practice medicine.
The LMDC’s communication explicitly stated that Dr. George’s license number had been removed from their roster and warned him against any further medical practice within Liberia, citing potential legal repercussions if he disregarded the revocation. This case has raised significant concerns regarding the verification of medical professionals’ credentials and the potential for fraudulent practices within Liberia’s healthcare system. The incident highlights the vulnerability of patients to potentially unqualified practitioners and the importance of robust oversight by regulatory bodies.
In response to this incident, the LMDC launched a comprehensive credential audit of all doctors and dentists in Liberia. This audit, slated to run from May 5th to June 30th, 2025, requires all medical practitioners to submit updated documentation verifying their qualifications. Following this document submission period, the Credentials Committee will conduct individual reviews starting July 7th, 2025, to ensure compliance and accuracy of the submitted credentials. This proactive measure aims to bolster the integrity of the medical profession and protect public trust in healthcare providers.
The LMDC specified that the minimum required documentation includes an internship certificate and an undergraduate medical degree. This requirement underscores the council’s commitment to upholding the standards of medical practice within Liberia. The LMDC cited its statutory mandate under the 2010 Act of National Legislation, which empowers the council to register and license qualified medical professionals who have graduated from recognized institutions. This legal framework provides the basis for the LMDC’s actions in this case and underscores the council’s authority to regulate medical practice within the country.
The investigation revealed a complex web of inconsistencies in Dr. George’s claims. While he initially failed to produce his undergraduate medical degree, he later submitted an “Award Verification Letter” purportedly from the University of Hertfordshire in the United Kingdom. However, this letter proved to be problematic. The LMDC’s investigation revealed that the University of Hertfordshire does not currently offer a medical degree program, with plans to launch one only in 2026. Furthermore, the timeframe presented in Dr. George’s letter, suggesting completion of both undergraduate and postgraduate medical degrees within four years, was deemed implausible by established international standards. These discrepancies ultimately solidified the LMDC’s decision to revoke Dr. George’s license.
