The Department of Physician Assistant Studies has held exit meeting for a group of students from the Marist College, USA, who undertook a five-week clinical rotation at the University of Cape Coast (UCC).

The clinical rotation afforded the visiting American students hands-on practical experience in all specialties under the guidance of seasoned consultants and specialists in some health facilities in the Central Region.

 As part of scheduled activities, the students worked with health workers at the University of Cape Coast (UCC) Hospital,  Cape Coast Teaching Hospital, Twifo Praso Hospital and Winneba Hospital.

 The students also examined patients, undertook ward rounds, assisted in the theatre and laboratory, along with other assignments.

 The US-based students also familiarised themselves with the administrative setup of the health sector from the national, region down to the district levels.

Reciprocate visit

The Head of the Department of Physician Assistant-UCC, Dr. Emmanuel A. Onimole, who interacted with the students to round off their visit, expressed excitement that the students had successfully completed their clinical rotation.

Dr. Emmanuel A. Onimole addressing the students

"You have really comported yourselves and we want to commend you for the good work", he stated.

He expressed optimism that undergraduate final year students of the Department would reciprocate the visit to also undertake their clinical rotation as captured in the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the two institutions.

"We want this to set the foundation so that ultimately some of our students will also go to Marist College and in the near future faculty officers as well", Dr. Onimole added.

Appreciation

On his part, the Dean of International Programmes at Marist College, Dr. Gavin Webb, thanked the management of the Department for the nice reception.

Dr. Gavin Webb

According to him, Marist College would fulfil every aspect of the MoU to deepen the collaboration with the Department of Physician Assistant Studies.

 Experiences

The students observed that they had learnt a lot about the Ghanaian healthcare system, describing the visit as an "eye opener."

Goodwill gesture

 As a gesture of goodwill, the visiting students presented to the Department an Automated External Defibrillator, which is used to help those experiencing sudden cardiac arrest.

 Dr. Emmanuel A. Onimole receiving the equipment from the students

Consequently, Dr. Onimole, who received the equipment on behalf of the Department, lauded the students for the donation. 

 Present at the meeting were some faculty members and students of the Department.

Source: Documentation and Information Section