I will be providing anesthesia services to adults and children undergoing surgical procedures. These individuals would otherwise not be able to have these life-changing procedures done.
People from all over Ghana come to receive these surgeries. It will have an immediate, positive impact on these individuals' lives. This population is severely underserved in this area of medical care, and this is a wonderful opportunity.
The expected impact is immediate for those undergoing the procedures. It will help improve their quality of life, whether they undergo an OMFS, general, or orthopedic procedure. I expect to be affected by those served at this clinic and to carry that impact home with me. I will be able to continue to impress on my family how blessed we are and continue to help those who are less fortunate than we are.
Our trip had a significant impact on the local population. Not only did we tour the neighboring village and deliver healthy birth kits to the local midwife, but we also ensured they could receive care at the Ghana Make A Difference facility. Additionally, we were able to provide surgical services for individuals who traveled 3-4 hours to the local hospital in Winneba free of charge. We performed 14 ENT surgeries, 26 orthopedic procedures, 62 hernia repairs, 180 plastic and dermatology procedures, and our clinic staff saw over 600 people. Overall, this impact is massive for this community. Personally, I think those of us volunteering on the trip were more impacted than the patients themselves. Having a useful skill set that enables you to provide care to others is amazing. Still, the opportunity to travel to a country to provide care to individuals who otherwise wouldn't be able to receive it was truly a gift. I am so grateful for this grant and the ability to help individuals halfway around the world. It is a great reminder of how lucky we are, how much we have, and how important it is to give back to others. I know this experience has forever changed me, and I look forward to participating in another medical mission trip soon.
