March 31st, 2018 by tarakorff

The Baptist Medical Center

A lot has happened in a short period of time. Far too much to put in a succinct post. I will share a summary of details and hopefully get to posting more often now that I am feeling a little more comfortable and adjusted to the routine here.

The travel to Ghana and to the BMC went smoothly. Apparently the road from the local airport in Tamale to the BMC had just finished being paved a few weeks before my arrival, which made for a smooth 2 hour ride from the airport to the hospital compound.

I arrived at the BMC on a Saturday and spent the next few days learning the ropes with a small group from Massachusetts. Among them were 2 physicians, a resident physician, and a dentist. One of the physicians had lived in Ghana at the BMC for some time and I was thankful to have their expertise and direction as I adjusted. The first few days, I experienced a variety of activities including hospital rounds, clinic, surgeries, minor procedures, and a trip to see one of the local chiefs. All generally new processes and customs to me.

Eating dinner with a local chief

The team from Massachusetts left this past Thursday after the arrival of a large team of physicians, residents, and medical students from West Virginia on Monday. It has been a blessing to have company in the guesthouse here and a group to join in some of the hospital activities with in both of these teams. The local doctors that work here full-time have also been a pleasure to work with. The last part of this week I have been spending the majority of my time on the maternity ward with one of the local American doctors. I continue to learn much each day and experience new things each day.

It is mango season here. Mango trees are everywhere and there are people selling mangoes everywhere as well. Naturally, I have been eating a lot of mangoes and hope the trend continues. In general, the food here is great and I am well taken care of by the staff of the guesthouse here at the BMC.

I hope to post again soon.

Best wishes from Ghana,

Tara