In July, (COPH) dietetics students traveled to Accra, Ghana, for an intensive, hands-on global health experience focused on combating malnutrition.
Led by , associate professor in the and director of the program, the trip combined clinical training, community outreach and cultural immersion in West Africa鈥檚 coastal capital.
Dr. Lauri Wright with her dietetic students at a Ghanaian teaching hospital. (Photo courtesy of Wright)
鈥淎ccra is right on the ocean and that location carries historical significance,鈥� Wright said. 鈥淕hana was a major exporter of enslaved people to the U.S. and the Caribbean. Beyond the professional learning, students gain a deep understanding of this history and Ghana鈥檚 peaceful path to independence.鈥�
The academic focus of the trip centered on dietetics practice in low-resource settings. Students nearing the completion of their dietetics program and internship spent six days a week working in large teaching hospitals and rural communities. They helped screen children for malnutrition and observed the challenges of treating patients without access to the specialized nutrition products common in the U.S.
The dietetic students taking a break from treating patients. (Photo courtesy of Wright)
鈥淚 think they gained an appreciation for the creativity and skill of Ghanaian dietitians,鈥� Wright said. 鈥淭hey don鈥檛 have Ensure or Boost, or all the tube feeding products we rely on here. Instead, they use local foods鈥攇rinding fish into powder to add to stews, or enriching meals with native ingredients. It pushes our students to think more creatively about nutrition care.鈥�
Outside of the clinical setting, the group spent Sundays immersed in Ghanaian culture. Students took a cooking class with local dietitians, learning to make traditional dishes such as fufu and vegetable stews. They also visited Osu Castle, a former enslaved fort, where they confronted the country鈥檚 complex colonial past.
One of the students learning to make fufu. (Photo courtesy of Wright)
鈥淭he church there was literally built above the men鈥檚 prison cell,鈥� Wright said. 鈥淭o stand there and realize what happened in that space鈥攊t鈥檚 incredibly powerful.鈥�
Students also explored Accra鈥檚 artisan markets, where they selected vibrant fabrics to have custom clothing made by local seamstresses.
鈥淪eamstressing is a very prestigious job in Ghana,鈥� Wright added. 鈥淚t鈥檚 one of those cultural experiences that helps them appreciate the craftsmanship and economy of the country.鈥�
While the experience is transformative, Wright emphasized that the program is demanding.
The dietetic sudents during one of the sessions at the teaching hospital. (Photo courtesy of Wright)
鈥淭his isn鈥檛 a sightseeing trip. You鈥檙e working long hours in hospitals without air conditioning, in full lab coats and sometimes facing emotionally difficult cases,鈥� she said. 鈥淚t鈥檚 challenging鈥攂ut for the right student, it鈥檚 life-changing.鈥�
One of those students, alumna Brianna Paul, who now works at Moffitt Cancer Center, credits the trip with shaping her career and outlook on global health.
鈥淗er whole life changed because of Ghana,鈥� Wright said. 鈥淪he really understood the impact of what we do.鈥�
For Wright, the goal of the annual Ghana trip remains the same: to prepare compassionate, adaptable professionals ready to serve communities鈥攏o matter their resources.
鈥淚t鈥檚 about empathy, cultural awareness and innovation,鈥� she said. 鈥淭hose lessons stay with our students long after they return home.鈥�