INTERNATIONAL EXPERIENCE REPORT

Activities available:

patient care
public/community health research
clinical research
basic science research

Opportunities appropriate for:

Preclinical students
clinical students

1. Please describe your activities while abroad (eg, seeing patients, clinical research, public health project, etc.):
   My Primary project was a public health study. I brought digital thermometers and trained the parents of kids at the clinic how to use them and ran a study on if they remembered the training. I also assisted the nurses with height, weight and head measurements and participated in health education of large groups and individual patients.
   
   
2. Please describe the range of activities available, in addition to yours:
   Dr. Ohene-Frempong has a variety of contacts and can help you come up with a public health, clinical or basic science research project. For clinical students, the KATH hospital where the clinic is located has a lot of foreign students doing rotations so that is probably a possibility.
   
   
3. Would you recommend this institution to other Penn medical students? Why?
   Yes! This was a great experience. I think going to this clinic was a good place to have a first developing country experience because the staff is friendly and receptive and used to having Penn students around. The patients are also great and very appreciative.
   
   
4. What did you not like?
   I only had a minimal language background in Twi . I was able to communicate fine with all the hospital staff (who knew English very well) but for the majority of patients I needed to rely on a translator. Also, there are a few nurses that are distrustful of Penn students because of problems they’ve had in the past, so be nice to them.
   
   
5. Is there an application process for this institution? How does one arrange a visit? Are there important dates to know about?
   Dates are very flexible as far as setting up the program, but I would start at least 5 months in advance making contact with Dr. Ohene-Frempong, developing a project and looking into airfare. Also encourage Dr. Ohene-Frempong to arrane your housing ASAP because the hostel fills fast.
   
   
6. What costs were associated with the trip, other than transportation. Please include institutional fees, housing costs, food, etc.:
   Immunizations and Malaria Medications $300
   Housing $5-10/night
   Food varies, but not more than $5/day
   
   
7. Did you receive funding for this trip? If so, from whom and for how much? Please provide important information, such as contacts, application procedure, and due dates:
   I received funding from a private source that completely covered my expenses. A good source of funding is the African Health Practicum through the office of International Affairs. Email Dr. Don Silverberg at silberbe@mail.med.upenn.edu
   
   
8. Would you agree to be contacted by other students interested in this site? If so, please give your name and contact information:
   Name: Michelle Klaus
   E-mail: klaus@mail.med.upenn.edu
   Phone: 215- 569-0939

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