Formally Introducing the Medical Ward

Every morning I make my way to the medical ward to round on patients with other medical students, housemen (the equivalent of interns if internship lasted 2 years) and residents (doctors who have completed their housemanship/internship). The cases we encounter are interesting but the patient’s story is always more intriguing. By listening to the patient’s story we can piece together their diagnosis and how they may have come about acquiring whatever ailment they have. 

The medical ward is a multi-story building where the male and female patients are in separate wings on each floor.  The ward looks very different when compared to what we are accustomed to seeing in the states. The most striking difference is the lack of privacy that some patients have due in part to a lack of resources.  Nuns are a fixture on the floor as they pray for the recovery of our patients whose cases can seem so helpless except for divine intervention. But I can show you better than I can tell you.

It is not uncommon for doctors or medical students to pay for important tests or labs that patients need if the patient is unable to do so themselves. I was shocked when I first saw it happening. Truthfully, it can be a matter of life or death. What would you do?

Medical students rounding.

Nurses tending to patients. The nurses are excellent and do the best with what they have. At Korle Bu, necessity often drives innovation.

Nurses' station.

Prayer warrior :-).

-XOXO
Ohemaa, Mimi