Description

For social, cultural, but mainly economic reasons, people don't seek medical attention until their condition is incredibly advanced or they are in serious pain. Coupled with poor health and sanitary provisions, medics in these countries are faced with conditions that we don't see in the West.

We have a variety of Medical placements available in Ghana. You could work in a hospital, clinic or teaching hospital, in any one of a number of departments. If your interest is nursing, we have a number of institutions who would appreciate your help.

You can work in a variety of medical departments, where you can either assist or shadow the staff members. The type of work you will be allocated will depend to an extent on your own abilities and capabilities, which is understandable given that you will be dealing with patient health and safety.

You will be involved in the day-to-day running of hospitals and clinics, observing or directly assisting the doctors and nurses. You can help out in simple but practical ways, vastly increasing your own knowledge and understanding of medical practice. You will get a good general feel of the Centre by working and/or observing in most departments and you will be exposed to hands-on nursing work.

If you plan on specializing in a particular field of medicine, we can arrange to place you in a relevant department, to ensure that you receive maximum experience in your chosen field. Some of the specialist areas are described below.

* Nursing:
For example, if your interest is nursing, we have a number of departments who would appreciate your help. This is an excellent opportunity to gain valuable experience in your field in a different culture where practices may differ considerably to what you're used to.

* Optometry:
If you're planning on going into Optometry, the Holy Trinity has an opticians department where they conduct eye tests. Here you'll be able to observe and assist. The Optical section serves patients with prescribed frame and lenses.

* Dentistry:
Like many developing countries Ghana has a problem with good dental hygiene among people living in poverty. This leads to bad teeth and other medical problems that result from tooth infections. The Holy Trinity has a Dental Clinic where you can work alongside the dentist and nurses and assist the dental team. The Dental Department is equipped with 2 modern Dental Chairs, Dental X-ray Units, etc. It caters for all dental needs of their patients.

This is an excellent opportunity to gain valuable experience in your field in a different culture where practices may differ considerably from what you're used to in your home country.

Your accommodation will vary depending on the type of placement you're doing and where you are located. You may live in comfortable guest house accommodation, but you will most likely live with a host family. This means that you get to eat, sleep, work, socialise and generally live like a Ghanaian. Local family stays enable you to fully experience the local culture from the inside.

Many of our volunteers remain friends with their host families long after they leave Ghana and in some cases they return to the country later especially to visit their family. Sometimes members of their Ghanaian family have even gone to visit them in their home country.

Highlights

Working in clinics, hospitals as observers and sometimes to do actual medical work.

Qualifications

To do a medical work placement, you will need to be:

- either planning to study medicine or a medical-related subject
- currently studying medicine or related subject
- or, working in a medical field

According to the hospitals and medical centres, you "must have a passion, enthusiasm and dedication for medicine and caring for people".

In other words, they don't wish to play host to 'curious observers' - instead, they want you to gain maximum benefit from your time with them.

In countries where visas are required, we'll send you all the necessary forms and information and make the process very easy for you.

You'll fly into Accra where you'll be met by our Ghana Manager, or one of his staff. From the airport you'll be taken to your work and your accommodation and introduced to your hosts. You'd be well advised to prepare yourself for an almost overwhelmingly friendly welcome!

Languages

• English

Cost in US$:

800 (2-4weeks stay)

Experience Required

no

Volunteer Types

• Health
• Health Care
• Health Education
• Hospital
• Medicine
• Nursing

Age Range

18+

This Program is open to

Worldwide Participants.

Participants Travel

Independently or in Groups

Typically Participants Work

Independently or in Groups of 4+

Application Process Involves

• Online Application plus Application Assessment
• Phone/Video Interview

Typically The Application Process Time is

2 days

Post Services Include

• Alumni Network

Year Founded

2002