PT Volunteer Trip to Ghana
Donation protected
Hello! As you may know, I am a doctorate student in the physical therapy program at George Fox University. As a second year student, I have been presented with the opportunity to travel to Accra, Ghana for two weeks in June to provide physical therapy education & training. I am passionate about what I am learning in my doctorate program and would love to put my knowledge and skill set to use by helping those in need.
Unfortunately, I do not have the funds to fully support my trip. The total cost of this trip will be $3,000 (includes airfare, lodging, food, and medical supplies).
The purpose of the trip is two-fold; the first purpose is to partner with the Greenhills School of Health Sciences in Accra to provide teaching and training to students in the physical therapist assistant program. This will be a great opportunity to share and expand on what I have learned so far in my studies and clinical experience. I will be teaching lectures - alongside faculty from my program - in orthopedics, neurorehabilitation, cardiovascular rehabilitation, exercise, and nutrition. I will also be providing hands-on training in patient handling, vital signs, orthopedic mobilization techniques, and skills needed for stroke rehabilitation to students and current physical therapists in Ghana.
The second purpose of the trip is to provide physical therapy treatment to patients in Accra. According to the Ghana Federation of the Disabled, disabled people in Ghana are often regarded as unproductive and incapable of contributing in a positive way to society. They are also seen as an economic burden on the family and society and are often neglected. By parterning with Greenhills School of Health Sciences, my colleagues and I will assist in the treatment of adults with neurological impairments at the outpatient/inpatient rehabilitation clinic. In addition, we will help train local physical therapists in developing specific rehabilitation programs designed for adults with disabilities.
The ultimate goal of this trip is to support healthcare advancements in Ghana. Given the success of the 2016 service trip, the President of Ghana and Minister of Health have asked our physical therapy program to come back this June to continue our efforts in providing training, services, and support.
To read more about GFU's past trips to Ghana and Uganda, click here: Physical Therapy Service Trips.
Pictured below: last year's physical therapy cohort that served in Ghana and Uganda.
Unfortunately, I do not have the funds to fully support my trip. The total cost of this trip will be $3,000 (includes airfare, lodging, food, and medical supplies).
The purpose of the trip is two-fold; the first purpose is to partner with the Greenhills School of Health Sciences in Accra to provide teaching and training to students in the physical therapist assistant program. This will be a great opportunity to share and expand on what I have learned so far in my studies and clinical experience. I will be teaching lectures - alongside faculty from my program - in orthopedics, neurorehabilitation, cardiovascular rehabilitation, exercise, and nutrition. I will also be providing hands-on training in patient handling, vital signs, orthopedic mobilization techniques, and skills needed for stroke rehabilitation to students and current physical therapists in Ghana.
The second purpose of the trip is to provide physical therapy treatment to patients in Accra. According to the Ghana Federation of the Disabled, disabled people in Ghana are often regarded as unproductive and incapable of contributing in a positive way to society. They are also seen as an economic burden on the family and society and are often neglected. By parterning with Greenhills School of Health Sciences, my colleagues and I will assist in the treatment of adults with neurological impairments at the outpatient/inpatient rehabilitation clinic. In addition, we will help train local physical therapists in developing specific rehabilitation programs designed for adults with disabilities.
The ultimate goal of this trip is to support healthcare advancements in Ghana. Given the success of the 2016 service trip, the President of Ghana and Minister of Health have asked our physical therapy program to come back this June to continue our efforts in providing training, services, and support.
To read more about GFU's past trips to Ghana and Uganda, click here: Physical Therapy Service Trips.
Pictured below: last year's physical therapy cohort that served in Ghana and Uganda.
Organizer
Annika Piros
Organizer
Newberg, OR