Jessica Bedele, DO: Goryeb Children's Hospital, Pediatrics - PGY3

Ghana: January 2025

 The terrain was rough, the heat was relentless, and each day began early with a walk to the hospital. Iced water became a necessity. Yet, there was beauty in it all—because this was home. My time in Ghana was more than just a global health experience; it was a journey into the realities of healthcare in resource-limited settings and a deeper connection to the place that shaped me.

  I had the opportunity to rotate through the PICU, pediatric wards, and general medical units at Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital in Kumasi, observing firsthand the strengths and challenges of the healthcare system. Beyond clinical exposure, I conducted research, interviewing pediatric HIV patients to better understand their daily lives in comparison to their peers.

  Outside the hospital, I joined the OKB Hope Foundation’s mobile health initiative, traveling to churches in different communities to provide free medical care. The long, bumpy journeys in the medical van underscored the barriers to healthcare access many Ghanaians face daily. Despite these challenges, I witnessed the unwavering dedication of local healthcare providers and the resilience of the patients they served.

  Lastly, one of the most meaningful experiences was getting invited to speak to high school students about mental health, breaking stigma, and encouraging them to care for themselves and each other. This experience reignited my passion for global medicine. Ghana was not just a place I worked—it was a reminder of why I chose this path and the impact I hope to make.