Day 26: All good things...

Today was my last day shadowing the doctors and nurses at Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, Accra.

Action shot taken from the car!

This week, I was in the Cardiothoracic Centre shadowing the amazing Dr Nii (a shy but super talented House Officer who treated me a lot like Danny (see day 19)!) whilst also finding time to pop into theatre to watch the magical Dr Sereboe at work (messy stuff, don't worry, I won't give you the details...). The CTC is well funded so unlike the Obs & Gynae wards there's a lot less improvisation!

Admittedly, I didn't understand what was happening in every case (for the complications in some patients were extensive to say the least and the medical terms beyond my understanding) but I certainly picked up on a lot of things, like how to carry out chest exams (AS Level Biology suddenly became incredibly useful) and how to take blood (I'm a total pro now! Kind of).

With Nurse Carolyn

Yet again, I've been overwhelmed by the spirit, valour and dedication of the doctors and nurses of the CTC team. I'm sad to leave all the people I've met but truly grateful for their hospitality and support over the last week. 

In fact, I'm thankful for all the people who have made this placement so wonderful- To those who helped me find the way to meet the new staff of each department, to the ones who shared their biscuits with me when I'd forgotten my own, the professionals who exercised extreme patience as I struggled to tear bits of plaster and the nurses who simply laughed as I learnt how to fill a syringe. To the wonderful individuals who have made the last three weeks unforgettable- thank you.