Medical Electives in Ghana - Takoradi Reviews

My placement was in Accident and Emergency for 3 weeks, which was an unbelievable experience. My supervisor was phenomenal - an amazing teacher. I saw many things I will never forget, and which have forever left an impact on the way I will practice medicine in the future, both at home and abroad.

Like with any rotation you get out what you put in and I recommend making the most of it!

I was a little bit apprehensive initially about travelling with a company such as Work the World as it would limit my independence, but in fact it served to enhance my experience.

In my third week there I was lucky as a surgical team from a charitable organisation, Operation Hernia, were visiting and were down one surgeon. I was asked to assist and got to play a large role in week of surgery.

It is best to start your placement with no pre judgements. You have to remember that you're still a student and you need to build a rapport with the staff before you can dive in and do what you want on the wards.

Regardless of what stage you're at in your studies, whether first year or final year, don't hesitate to arrange a placement abroad. You'll apply what you know already and learn a lot more in the process.

I rotated around the general medical, paediatric and accident & emergency departments. This gave me the opportunity to see diseases that you seldom see, or have only ever heard about.