Medicine Internships in Ghana

My volunteer experience in Bolgatanga with Future4Africa has undoubtedly been one of the best of my life. It wasn't just volunteering; it was a profoundly transformative experience that has stayed with me for the rest of my life. From the very first moment, I felt welcomed by Samuel and his entire team. They are incredible people, always approachable, attentive, and willing to help in any way needed. Their commitment to the organization and the warmth with which they treat each volunteer make you feel like part of the family from day one. During my stay, I had the opportunity to do an internship at the Bolgatanga hospital, which was a very enriching experience. I was able to learn a great deal, get to know the local healthcare system firsthand, and collaborate, as much as possible, with the professionals there. In addition, we spent the afternoons with the children of the community, one of the most special parts of volunteering. Spending time with them, playing, learning together, and seeing their joy and energy was truly unforgettable. I felt completely safe at all times, something I consider essential when you decide to have an experience like this far from home. They were attentive to us at all times so we could relax and focus on enjoying ourselves, learning, and contributing. The work they do in the Ghanaian community is absolutely fundamental. Their impact is real and noticeable in the daily lives of the people they work with. Being part of a project like this, even for a short time, changes your perspective on the world. Without a doubt, it has been an unforgettable experience that I would recommend to anyone. I'm taking away lessons, memories, and people who will always be with me. I know for sure that in the future I would love to return to Bolgatanga and reconnect with this community and this very special team.

My global health elective with CFHI was one of the most meaningful and transformative experiences of my medical training. Over the course of four weeks in Accra, Ghana, I was given the opportunity to engage deeply with healthcare delivery through a local lens, one that emphasized adaptability, resourcefulness, and community-centered care. What stood out most was CFHI’s intentional approach to ethical global health engagement. Rather than positioning students as observers detached from the system, CFHI fostered thoughtful learning grounded in humility, cultural context, and mutual respect. The clinical exposure was complemented by discussions facilitated by experienced local clinicians that challenged me to critically compare healthcare systems, reflect on structural inequities, and better understand how social determinants shape patient outcomes. Additionally, the staff and preceptors at my placement site, Princess Marie Louise Children’s hospital were exceptional. They were generous with their time, knowledge, and mentorship. They went above and beyond to ensure that learning was both clinically rich, contextual and ethically grounded. Through their guidance, I gained not only clinical insight but also a deeper appreciation for practicing medicine in settings where creativity and collaboration are essential. As someone originally from Ghana and now training in the United States, this experience was particularly meaningful. It allowed me to reconnect with my roots while also reshaping how I envision my future as a physician committed to global health, equity, and service. CFHI did not simply provide an elective; it provided a space for growth, reflection, and rediscovery of purpose. I am profoundly grateful for the scholarship support that made this experience possible and for CFHI’s commitment to responsible, immersive global health education. This elective will continue to influence how I practice medicine long after my training.