From my very first day at Tema General Hospital’s maternity ward, I realized this experience would be more than just clinical training—it was a deep connection to my heritage and a lesson in compassionate leadership. Each morning, before starting their day, the doctors and nurses gathered to pray and sing, asking God to guide and strengthen them as they cared for the mothers and babies. This daily practice reflected how faith plays an important role in the hospital culture and helped create a sense of calm and focus among the staff.
What struck me most was the pride and happiness patients showed when they learned I was an American-Ghanaian volunteering in my home country. Many were pleasantly surprised and deeply touched that I could speak Twi fluently and hadn’t lost my cultural roots. This connection helped build trust and warmth.
One of the most memorable moments came when I followed a patient from admission through delivery. I was there taking her vitals, ensuring she had water, and offering quiet support during her cesarean section—holding her hand the entire time. Later, I had the honor of holding her newborn daughter. The mother told me, with a hopeful smile, that she wanted her daughter to be like me one day—a doctor. She thought I was one already, which was a deeply moving and humbling moment.
This experience showed me that leadership in healthcare is not just about medical knowledge but about presence, empathy, and cultural connection. Being part of a patient’s journey—from admission through birth and beyond—is a privilege that strengthens the human side of medicine and inspires me to lead with compassion and humility.