Global Health Experiential Education in Ghana

I had the opportunity to spend a month in Accra November 2016 and I absolutely loved it! As a pediatric resident , it can be difficult to find experiences abroad which fit your particular skill set and continue to allow for a safe learning environment. At Princess Marie Louise Children's Hospital, I was fully integrated into the inpatient and ED schedule with opportunities to also spend time in weekly clinics (sickle cell clinic, asthma clinic, developmental clinics, ect). I worked alongside dedicated physicians, house officers, and staff who all love to teach and were excited to involve me in the care of children without pressure to perform skills that I did not feel comfortable with. CHFI is also a large proponant of ethical standards and practices for global health rotations which is so important. I would highly recommend this program to anyone who is interested in pediatric global health!

In the summer of 2016, I had the opportunity to work at a children's hospital in Accra, Ghana. While working at this hospital, I was able to see surgeries that you would not normally see in America. I was also able to participate in the diagnosis process where medical professionals also took into account a family's living conditions and socioeconomic status. Working in the special clinic (for HIV/AIDS patients but called the special clinic to battle the stigma) allowed me to see how the family dynamics of HIV/AIDS differed from families without HIV/AIDS burden. My group and I were also able to go to a family planning center where they also taught teenagers about sexual health. My favorite rotations in the hospital were surgeries and the physiotherapy department. The physiotherapy department allowed me to work with children who had orthopedic needs, which aligned with my medical interests. Overall, my Ghanaian experience was not only rewarding for future endeavors, but it left an imprint on how I perceived health in the West African region, and it also allowed me to see how much efficiency happens in certain hospitals despite having limited resources. I definitely want to go back to Ghana due to this experience.

My 4-week experience has made me more aware of the regional healthcare challenges faced in coastal Ghana. The hospital rotations were unique and eye opening to the diversity of the hospital, and I appreciated the welcoming personality of the staff and respectful guidance. Staying with a host family allowed me to learn how to cook Ghanaian food, and also to appreciate the dynamic of family life in Ghana. CFHI's directors were professional and organized, and I would highly recommend this program to anyone considering applying in future.