University For Development Studies, School of Medicine Exchange Students Complete Medical Rotations at NYULMC and Bellevue Hospital

Four Ghanaian medical students came to NYUGSOM in September for a six-week global health elective as part of the AMPATH Ghana partnership between NYUGSOM and University for Development Studies School of Medicine in Tamale, Ghana. Mildred Gifty Obeyaa Marfo, Emmanuel Sabi Damoah, Ambrose Frimpong, and Ayisha Sulemana are all in their final year of medical school and have graduated this November.

While at NYUGSOM, the students learned about the private and public sector health care systems in NYC, enhanced their knowledge of diagnostic tests and clinical decision-making, and developed skills in effective cross-cultural communication with patients and colleagues. The Ghanaian students were also paired with NYUGSOM medical student ambassadors as well as faculty mentors.

The clinical rotations spanned several departments including general surgery, neurosurgery, psychiatry, and internal medicine.

Emmanuel commented, “It has been breathtaking experience since the beginning of my rotations here at NYU. The facileness, swiftness and efficiency at which diagnoses are made, the prompt and holistic approach to patient management, the amiable people to study and work with and the sophisticated techniques employed in the diagnostic processes and treatments of cases are awe-inspiring.

My intention and joy of becoming a surgeon has been super heightened after my first experience of the incredible and astonishing nature of robotic surgery here at NYU.”

AMPATH Ghana looks forward to continuing to facilitate a reciprocal exchange of faculty and trainees between NYUGSOM and University for Development Studies.