Leadership

Travis Allen BSc. MSc.
Team Leader

Travis is a medical student at the University of Northern British Columbia. He is driven by a motivation to provide medical care to those who otherwise would not have it, and recognizes international medical teams as an excellent setting for volunteers to build new skills while learning from other cultures. In his work, Travis is guided by a focus not only on treatment, but also on prevention for long term health benefits.Travis draws on previous experience working with a medical team in rural Liberia. He will be providing logistical support to the team both in preparation for the trip and on-the-ground in Ghana.

Dr. Prabhat Sood MD FRCP
Head Physician

Dr Sood is a Consultant Physician in Genitourinary and HIV Medicine at West Midlands Hospital, Halesowen, United Kingdom.  He has special interest in Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine.  Dr Sood did his Residency Programme in General Internal Medicine from prestigious PGIMER Chandigarh.  He then did his CCST in Genitourinary and HIV Medicine from Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh.  He is Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians, Edinburgh, UK.  Dr Sood has Diploma in Tropical Medicine and Hygiene from London School of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene. He holds Diploma in Travel Medicine from Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow.  Dr Sood is involved in diagnosis and treatment of HIV, Hepatitis B, C and Sexually Transmitted Infections.  He has many research publications and has been involved in formulating guidelines for treatment of sexually transmitted infections.  Dr Sood has worked as Honorary Senior Lecturer for the University of Birmingham.  Dr Sood is member of British Association of Sexual Health and HIV and British HIV Association.

What You Can Do

The Medical Team consists of ten to fifteen international volunteers bringing varying expertise to the table. Doctors, nurses, peer health educators, medical students, and general volunteers all play a valued role on the team. A local doctor and several local translators are also an integral part of the team. You can fill one of the roles below.

Physician

As a physician, you play a key role on the team. Patients will wait in line for hours, sometimes days to see you. With the help of a translator you will be seeing patients of all ages with a variety of medical problems.You may also be involved in triaging patients and helping nurses when they have questions.

*All physicians are required to provide proof of qualifications.

Nurse

You may find the scope of your activities here to be wider than those you cover in your work at home. You will be assisting in triage, taking medical histories, and making preliminary diagnoses.

*All nurses are required to provide proof of qualifications.

Health Educator

You will play a key role in prevention. You will educate people, empowering them to prevent future sickness and injury. Local health authorities have identified a need for health education on the following topics.

• Malaria
• STDs
• HIV & AIDS
• Proper handwashing and personal sanitation
• Proper lifting
• Healthy eating and exercise

You will deliver health education presentations to waiting patients, or one-on-one to patients after they have gone to the clinic and seen a doctor. You are expected to prepare materials before arriving in Ghana. The clinics take place in very basic conditions. There is no powerpoint and any educational supplies must be brought with you. Keep in mind that your work will often take place outside where it is thirty to thirty-five degrees celsius and very humid. You will most often be speaking to people one-on-one or as a part of a group with the assistance of a translator. You can use demonstrations, and creativity is welcomed!

Non-Medical Volunteer

As a non-medical volunteer you will likely be involved as a greeter or pharmacy aide. However, clinics are busy and dynamic and needs change. Therefore, it is important to be flexible and help out however is needed. On some days you may be assisting a physician to efficiently get patients through the clinic, whereas on others you’ll be restocking supplies.

Greeter

You’ll greet patients and take your time to record accurate patient information. You’ll then ask a patient to wait. Patients can be ill, hot, hungry, and fearful, while the clinic may be noisy and crowded. Remember your smile and sense of humour and you’ll become a pro at managing patient intake.

Pharmacy Aide

You’ll be counting pills and placing them in an envelope for each patient. It is vital that you are meticulous. You’ll be working alongside other pharmacy volunteers.

Where We Are Volunteering

We are volunteering in the villages of Anwia, Teleku Bokazo & Salman in Western region. These villages are located 300 Kms west of the capital city, Accra. The area is largely inhabited by Nzema people (pronounced inzima), who have their own culture and language.

Where We are Staying

We are staying nearby at the Axim Beach Hotel. The hotel is safe and secure. Situated on a tropical beach, the hotel has modern amenities in traditional Ghanaian style accommodation.

Click here to see a map of the area and for in-depth country information.

Passport & Visa Requirements

• Is a visa required?: Yes
• Allocation of Tourist Visa: Before Departure
• Duration of Tourist visa: 1 to 3 months
• Cost of Tourist Visa: Varies, but you can expect to pay 60CAD
• Tourist Visa Extension: Possible up to two years
• Cost of Tourist Visa Extension: Variable
• Passport validation: 6 months required before expiry
• Return/onward flight ticket: Required
• Confirmation of Funds: May be required
• For more information visit the websites of Ghana representation abroad:

• • Canada
  • USA
  • UK
  • Australia

Program Fees

Volunteers are responsible for covering the cost of their flights, Ghanaian visa, and any personal medications and vaccinations associated with travel.

The program fee covers a donation for the purchase of medical supplies, administrative support, and tours. The cost of food, accommodation, and in-country transport is generously provided by Adamus Resources Ltd.

The program fees for the Ghana Medical Team are as follows:

950 CAD

What’s Included

• Pre-departure support: You will have a staff member available to support you throughout your time preparing to go abroad. In addition, you will be provided with all the resources you need including your Pre-Departure Manual & Culture Matters Workbook. The pre-departure manual includes all information you need regarding your destination, as well as advice on blogging and fundraising.  The Culture Matters Workbook is a self-study course focused on:

• • Culture shock
  • Issues power and race
  • Managing politics, religion, and gender
  • Working effectively in a cross-cultural setting
  • Preparing to reintegrate as you return home

• All in-country transportation
• Accommodation
• Three meals daily
• Tours to Kakum National Park, Nzulezu Village, and Slave Castle at Elmina
• Reference letter and/or compliance with your college or university for course credit (Upon request; 90CAD fee applies for students obtaining course credit)

What’s not Included

• Airfare
• Insurance
• Vaccinations
• Pocket money

Other Costs to Consider

Click here to see program fees for all programs with The Humanity Exchange.