August 21, 2007 International Health Forum “What I Did Last Summer” Ghana, West Africa David Goodman I spent my summer in Ghana, West Africa in an underdeveloped village in the northern part of the country.

August 21, 2007 International Health Forum “What I Did Last Summer” Ghana, West Africa Opportunities at the BMC –Busy clinic, patients a day/ doctor 400 total –120 beds on the wards that were close to full most of the time –Two surgical theatres ~ 25 surgeries a week –TB Village –Cukodoo Nutrition Center –Strong Public Health Program

August 21, 2007 International Health Forum “What I Did Last Summer” Ghana, West Africa During my time I got to be incredibly involved in –Assisting w. Sugery –Seeing simple cases –Leading a Public Health Program –Just taking it all in

August 21, 2007 International Health Forum “What I Did Last Summer” Ghana, West Africa

August 21, 2007 International Health Forum “What I Did Last Summer”

August 21, 2007 International Health Forum “What I Did Last Summer” Ghana, West Africa I found the program through my church, it is a Baptist Hospital. I got some additional funding from friends and family, but it was worth every dime for me personally.

August 21, 2007 International Health Forum “What I Did Last Summer” Ghana, West Africa The absolute best thing was just being involved in a sustained wonderful project. Living with people who had dedicated their lives and families to serving people Getting a ton of clinical experience Experience “Africa” for what it really is, no Bono included. (no offense, I love U2) And ultimately asking yourself the question every day “How much are you capable of loving people?”

August 21, 2007 International Health Forum “What I Did Last Summer” Ghana, West Africa Some of the toughest things were, one the language barrier was HUGE. There were 5 local languages that filtered into the hospital and each of those were totally useless 20 miles down the road. Secondly, if I had it to do over again, I would not have gone alone. I am glad for the experience, but something this big really needs to be shared with someone. Oh yeah, I TOTALLY regret eating this. There is no such thing as “adventure eating”

August 21, 2007 International Health Forum “What I Did Last Summer” Ghana, West Africa I would totally do it over again. Like tomorrow probably. If you want more info check out –My –My blog –A video I made w28c (the title is my summer in Ghana if you want to search for it) w28c