1.

This past June, I spent 4-weeks in Accra, Ghana for my STEP Signature Project. While in Ghana, I observed medical professionals in one of their pediatric hospitals. I spent my time in three different wards (malnutrition, outpatient, emergency medicine) and a local maternity clinic. 

2.

While completing my STEP Signature Project, I grew professionally and personally. Being in a country where I am not the racial majority, I was pushed out of my comfort zone to ensure I made the best of the opportunity of being in Ghana.  Personally, I had to learn how to advocate for myself when clarifying my boundaries. For example, I was often expected to know more than I did and perform skills that are above my education level. While shadowing, I had to ask the doctors to explain the patients’ cases to me because the majority of visits are done in the native language, Twi. In addition, I learned diverse medical techniques that differ from the type I have seen in the United States due to the lack of resources in their public hospital systems. 

3.

Each week in the hospital, I had the opportunity to observe many different medical professionals which led me to make relationships with them. Interactions I had with a dietitian, Danny, were always an amazing learning experience. He was very welcoming and wanted to teach me all about how they treat malnutrition in Ghana. When we weren’t busy with patients, he would give me medical articles to research and we would talk through the material. I am grateful for all the interactions I had with him and all the knowledge he taught me.

4.

During my rotation in the emergency department, the doctors allowed me to do small hands-on tasks. They often asked me to get vitals or asked the parents questions while they charted. Even these little tasks made me feel closer to the patients and create relationships with them. My days in the ED were so informational about diseases and cases I may never see working in the United States. 

This trip taught me so much about myself. I learned that I can be independent and travel alone. Before this trip, I had never been out of the country or traveled alone. I am confident that I can navigate through new countries and ask for help when needed. In addition, I had to navigate a country where I had to ask for people to translate for me. I learned how to advocate for myself in a way I have never had in the United States. 

5.

This experience was very transformative and valuable to my future career as a physician assistant. I was able to learn a significant amount about global health and how physicians in developing countries practice with limited resources. In addition, I gained knowledge on how important diversity in healthcare is and how it is crucial to understand the medical differences in various cultures/races. In conclusion, I think this trip has prepared me to be a successful future medical provider.