Assistant for Medical Volunteer Placement in Ghana
Highlights
- Volunteer in local hospitals and support the staff with needed hands-on capacities
- Bring in your personal skills and willingness to help and provide care for those in need
- Learn directly from experienced doctors and nurses in an unforgettable setting
- Get to know all kinds of clinical departments and experience the chances of hands-on support
- Explore Ghana’s manifold natural and cultural benefits on weekend trips
Overview
Take part in this incredible opportunity to gain first-hand experience and insight into the Ghanaian health care system. Observe and gain knowledge of from local staff whilst getting involved in basic support work.
OGVO can organize placements from people of all backgrounds. So whether you’re a qualified healthcare professional looking to give back on your next vacation, a nursing student organizing an overseas elective placement, or a school leaver looking for work experience to boost your university application – we have just the project for you!
The work of the healthcare system in Ghana is not only to treat immediate cases but also educate the local communities in preventative measures. Admittance to healthcare in Ghana has improved dramatically since the introduction of the National Health Insurance Act in 2003. Nevertheless, the healthcare system in Ghana still faces a number of challenges, particularly in rural areas. The large majority of patients arrive due to illnesses related to poor sanitation. Malaria is also a huge issue and remains the cause of many deaths and illnesses. Furthermore, HIV/AIDS continues to harm the lives of so many Ghanaians. Many of the major causes of death and serious illness are avoidable.
We can arrange placements in the following departments:
Adolescent Counseling, Community Health Education, Dentistry, General surgery, Laboratory, Nursing, Maternity & Midwifery, Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Ophthalmology, Paediatrics, Pharmacology, Physical Therapy, Physiotherapy, Prenatal, Psychology, Radiology, Ultrasound, Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) etc.
Please note we can also potentially arrange placements in other departments on request.
Important Information
On any given day, you will work shifts alongside your supervisors. These shifts typically take the following form:
- Morning: 8am - 2pm
- Afternoon: 2pm - 8pm
- Night: 8pm - 8am
Each shift starts with rounds as you follow the consulting doctor and learn about each patient's case and course of treatment. Use this opportunity to ask plenty of questions. After rounds, you’ll assist nurses with patient care. You can watch them administer medication and treatment, and help to update patient files. Nurses always appreciate help in general patient care as well such as feeding, bathing, and bed changing.
Please note that hospitals in Ghana are often busiest in the mornings. Don’t be late for the morning shift if you'd like to witness the bulk of the day's work!
Afternoons are a great opportunity to get to know the staff and patients better.
Two days per week, you’ll join one of our community outreaches to assist with doing health checks.
During the hours you aren’t working, you’ll have free time to explore Ghana’s colorful culture and natural beauty with your fellow volunteers/interns.
Since you will be living with a local host family, breakfast or dinners offer great opportunities to get to know them better and fully immerse yourself in their way of life.