Materials Needed

THINGS NEEDED WHILE IN GHANA

Please bring with you, your name tag, white coat (Teaching Hospitals), stethoscope and clinical tools.

Essentials To Take With You

  • Medical School ID: You must bring your medical school photo ID with you. Your medical school ID will grant you registered student status at your placement
  • Up-to-date vaccinations: yellow fever vaccination is required to get a visa to Ghana. Other recommended vaccinations can be found at the Center for Disease Control website https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/ghana.htm
  • Malaria Precautions (anti-malarial prophylaxis, bed-nets, insect repellent).
  • Cell Phone: unlock your cell phone before you come and Elective Ghana will provide a Ghanaian SIM card for your use which must be returned before your departure
  • Luggage that is easy to carry. We recommend a hiking backpack over other types
  • Clothing: In general, bring professional clothing that you would wear in your home hospital. For leisure time, it is recommended for women to wear knee length shorts and skirts (or pants). Shorter skirts and shorts are not appropriate in many of the rural communities you will be staying.
  • White coat (Teaching Hospitals only): You are required to bring your own white coat if your placement is at the Teaching Hospitals since one must be worn at all times during patient contact. We do not provide coats. We encourage interaction with the Ghanaian Medical Students to enrich your placement at the Teaching Hospitals.
  • Stethoscope
  • Penlight and Spotlight
  • Merck Manual or other clinical reference
  • Camera
  • Sunscreen, Sunglasses, Hat
  • Basic medical kit (e.g. aspirins, plasters, imodium, antiseptic cream, and anti-histamine cream, etc.).
  • Adapter plugs and converters for electrical appliances.
  • Hairdryers and Shavers.
  • A few really good paperbacks you haven’t started yet.
  • Assorted photos of family and friends. Not for you, but for your host community. They’ll love these, as it gives them a better sense of who you are.
  • A journal to document your experience.
  • Earplugs
  • Hand Sanitizer
  • Comprehensive Travel Insurance

White (Lab) Coats:

You are required to bring your own white coat if your placement is at the Teaching Hospitals since one must be worn at all times during patient contact. We do not provide coats. We encourage interaction with Medical Students and other Ghanaians.