I plan to partner with Operation International to provide comprehensive primary care, surgical support, and health education in underserved communities abroad. My focus will be on strengthening family medicine principles, integrating preventive care, chronic disease management, and pre operative evaluations into the care provided during missions. Additionally, I will help build local capacity by mentoring and training healthcare workers in sustainable, community-based approaches to care. This work will bridge gaps in access to healthcare by addressing both acute and chronic health needs, while also promoting preventive care and life saving surgeries performed by my colleagues.
The primary beneficiaries will be patients in low-resource communities in Ghana where Operation International serves. These populations often face limited access to both surgical and primary care, leading to preventable morbidity and mortality. My training in family medicine and global health uniquely positions me to address complex, overlapping needs in these populations. Focusing on these underserved communities aligns with my personal and professional commitment to equity in healthcare delivery.
The expected impact is twofold: immediate improvement in patient outcomes through surgical and medical interventions, and long-term benefits through local provider training and sustainable health strategies. Patients will experience relief from untreated conditions, while communities will benefit from stronger health systems and improved continuity of care. By embedding life saving surgeries,preventive care and chronic disease management into mission work, we can reduce the cycle of recurring acute crises.
I will integrate these experiences into residency training, preparing future family physicians to engage in global health with a focus on sustainability, cultural humility, and systems-based practice. I will also disseminate insights through teaching, scholarly presentations, and professional networks, amplifying the impact of the mission and fostering future collaborations.
I traveled to Techiman, Ghana with Operation International to help provide essential surgical and medical care at Holy Family Hospital. Working alongside a multidisciplinary team from the U.S., Canada, and Ghana, we performed over 90 life-changing surgeries for children and adults who otherwise lacked access to or could not afford surgical care. Procedures included inguinal hernia, umbilicalrepairs, hernia repairs, mastectomies, hysterectomies, and bowel repairs, significantly improving patients’ quality of life. In addition to clinical care, we delivered a course on the fundamentals of critical care to local doctors and nurses, enabling them to earn certification and strengthening long-term care capacity within the community.
