Global Health Programs in Accra, Ghana

This summer, I had the opportunity to participate in a global health fellowship as an HBCU Leader in Global Health. Thank you Child Family Health International for this wonderful, life-changing opportunity to experience medicine in Accra, Ghana! During my 4 weeks here, I was able to shadow physicians in various departments, observe surgeries, observe vaginal deliveries & c-section births, and learn about preventative health and malnutrition management. I had an amazing time exploring Accra and shadowing at Princess Marie Louise Children's Hospital and Jamestown Maternity Hospital. I am so grateful to combine my love for medicine with my love for travel! Exploring global health through a service-based lens has given me an invaluable perspective on advocacy and health equity before officially starting my medical school journey.

My global health trip to Ghana was an incredibly transformative experience. Not only did I gain valuable insights into global health, but I also underwent significant personal growth. Collaborating with a diverse group of students enhanced my teamwork and communication skills. Living and working together, I learned to appreciate the importance of compassion in healthcare, transcending cultural differences. Witnessing a range of pathologies in Ghana highlighted both the similarities and nuances in healthcare practices between regions. From severe malnutrition cases and vitamin D deficiency to complex emergencies, I deepened my understanding of medical conditions and their management. The collaborative environment allowed me to learn from experienced peers while mentoring pre-medical students, fostering a sense of unity. In the program's first week, I encountered cases of severe malnutrition, with associated psychological and developmental ramifications. Week two brought exposure to emergency cases, shedding light on resource constraints and the critical role of medical practitioners. Notable observations included meconium aspiration, Edwards syndrome, and various surgical procedures. Week three's experiences included insights into medical education dynamics and the diverse roles of healthcare professionals. Week four delved into the complex social aspects of reproductive healthcare and anxiety stemming from traumatic birth experiences. Exploring the limitations of pain control during childbirth underscored the challenges faced by local obstetric units. Overall, my time in Ghana expanded my medical knowledge, honed my interpersonal skills, and reinforced the universality of compassion in healthcare. The exposure to diverse pathologies and healthcare systems was invaluable, leaving a lasting impact on my understanding of global health.

My CFHI experience in Accra, Ghana was extremely invaluable. I had the unique opportunity to serve in a local hospital where I learned about child and maternal health. Each week I rotated through a different sector of the hospital: Week 1 was the emergency room, week two was malnutrition, week 3 was community health/family planning and for the last week I was in the wards/NICU. I appreciated learning about healthcare in Ghana directly from health care providers. I was excited to practice physical exams and interview patients since these are skills I have acquired in my first year of medical school. The malnutrition unit was particularly interesting to me because I haven't had much exposure to working with dieticians. Malnutrition is a massive issue in Ghana, and I learned ways in which the dieticians plan to help their patients recover (utilizing a 4-step re-feeding plan) and how they work with the physicians in other units (ex. OPD or the ED) to ensure the best care for these patients. Culturally, I enjoyed trying different foods such as red red, kenkey and kelewele. As the daughter of Nigerian immigrants, many of these foods reminded me of home as there were similarities between the dishes. Interacting with locals and admiring the art pieces and learning to play the drums at the art center was one of my many highlights. I really appreciate the sense of community I felt in Accra. I appreciated the opportunity to live with other students from different states and countries while learning about Ghana when we went out into the community each day. I will never forget this transformative experience as it strengthened my desire to continue to pursue Global Health in my future career.