Wrapping Up at the BMC and Heading Off on an Adventure!

Just like that, my time at the Baptist Medical Centre has come to an end! The weeks flew by, and I managed to keep busy with a wide variety of cases and emergencies. It’s always rewarding to be able to jump in, help out, and learn something along the way.

One of the highlights was getting to work in the operating room with Dr. Heidi Haun again. Our schedules don’t always overlap, so it was fun to have the opportunity to work together. I love being able to bounce ideas off one another, ask questions, and talk through cases. 

Learning New Tricks

One thing Heidi has definitely surpassed me in is her ultrasound skills, and it’s something I’m hoping to improve! When I lived here 13 years ago, I learned a little ultrasound on an ancient machine that required a fair amount of squinting and tilting your head sideways to make out anything through the fuzz. Needless to say, it wasn’t the most sophisticated imaging technology! Back then, I made all my surgical decisions based on physical examination alone.

Fast-forward to today, and Heidi has a handheld ultrasound that connects to her phone. She ultrasounds just about everyone! Over the past few weeks, I found myself asking her to scan patients who, 13 years ago, I probably would have taken straight to the operating room based on physical exam alone.

It was an interesting experience. Having ultrasound available made me pause and question some of my usual decisions. Was I second-guessing myself because I could now look for imaging confirmation of what I suspected on examination? Or was I simply learning to incorporate another useful tool into my decision-making? Probably a little of both!

It was fun to pick up some new ultrasound skills from Heidi. I still have a long way to go to catch up with her, but I’m excited to keep learning!

Time for a Little Vacation!

Now it’s time to trade in work for a little adventure! As I write this, I’m sitting in the airport in Tamale. I left the BMC at 6 a.m. this morning for the drive to Tamale, and from here I’ll fly to Accra before catching another flight to Kumasi.

Waiting for the plane to arrive from Kumasi . . . the same plane flies back and forth all day.  

This new terminal was built several years ago and it is a significant upgrade from the old one!  There are two gates, little cafe and shop.  Most importantly it has air conditioning.  

I’m looking forward to spending the weekend in Kumasi with friends. After a busy six weeks, it will be nice to have a little time to relax, catch up with people, and enjoy a change of scenery.

It’s hard to believe how quickly these weeks have gone by. I’m grateful for the cases, the people I’ve worked with, and all the opportunities to learn along the way. Until next time BMC!

For now, it’s time to board the plane and enjoy a little vacation. Kumasi, here I come!

Boarding the flight to Accra.  I love how simple and easy the Tamale Airport is