Psychology student provides medical care in Ghana this summer

Pre-occupational therapy and psychology student Michelle Asiedu took the trip of a lifetime this summer but don't call it a vacation. Asiedu went to Ghana, West Africa, on a Medical Brigades trip with Wayne State.

Medical Brigades is a chapter of Global Brigades, the world's largest student-led global health and sustainable development organization. Global Medical Brigades develops sustainable health initiatives and provides relief where there is limited access to health care.

Asiedu's group provided pro-bono medical services to the less fortunate in these villages. "We provided services including assessing patients with diseases ranging from infection or high blood pressure to malaria." The group also completed pharmacy and optometry tasks, house visits, and educational programs for nutrition, hygiene and sex education.

Hoping to specialize in pediatric occupational therapy, Asiedu said the highlight of the trip was meeting and helping local children. "It was such an amazing experience because I learned so many things about the people in these villages and how they value their resources," said Asiedu, "I got to see some children with different abnormalities, which was extremely beneficial for me."

Asiedu learned that items we often take for granted in the West such as hot water for a shower or clean drinking water are considered luxuries in Ghana. "I learned to appreciate things that I have," she said. "Most of the things I look at as a necessity for survival, these people haven't even heard of." The lack of these things will not stop Asiedu from returning after graduation next spring. "I'm already planning my trip for next year!"

View photos of her trip this summer

Written by Alexandra Leroux, Marketing and Communications Associate

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