“The experience gave me a new perspective on global healthcare and reminded me of why I chose medicine in the first place.”
KMMS graduate Temitayo Ahmadu shares her medical elective in Accra, Ghana, which she describes as both rewarding and memorable. She also received the KMMS prize for best elective reflective piece, highlighting the impact of the experience on her personal and professional growth.
Memorable Moments
Temitayo recalls one of the most unforgettable moments of her elective:
“The highlight was assisting with the delivery of two babies, one after the other, within my very first hour on the labour ward. Being thrown straight into such a hands-on role was both exhilarating and unforgettable. It was a moment that pushed me out of my comfort zone in the best possible way and one I’ll never forget.”
Temitayo said of her support network during her elective, “The doctors were welcoming, supportive, and enthusiastic about teaching, and I felt encouraged to get involved and take initiative. The experience gave me a new perspective on global healthcare and reminded me of why I chose medicine in the first place.”
Valuable Skills
One of the most valuable skills she developed was the ability to adapt quickly to unfamiliar environments.
“Being in a completely different healthcare setting, I learned to take initiative, communicate clearly with clinical teams, and seek out learning opportunities proactively”
She continued: “I also saw a range of conditions that are less commonly seen at home, which gave me greater insight into global patterns of disease and the challenges of managing patients in resource-limited settings. On a broader level, the experience strengthened my clinical reasoning, observational skills, and ability to work collaboratively in unfamiliar environments. It was a powerful reminder of the value of teamwork, flexibility, and patient-centred care, no matter the setting.”
Facing Challenges
Temitayo reflected on the challenges she faced during her Elective, noting that the language barrier was one of the primary obstacles.
“While most of the doctors spoke English, many patients preferred to speak in local languages, which sometimes made it difficult to follow consultations or communicate directly with them. I learned to be more observant and attentive to non-verbal cues, and I relied more on the clinical team to help interpret key information. Over time, I picked up basic phrases and gained a better understanding of the cultural context, which helped me connect more meaningfully with patients.”
Another difficult aspect was witnessing the impact of financial barriers on patient care.
“There were moments when patients couldn’t afford investigations or treatments that would be considered basic or routine in the NHS, even when the cost was relatively low. It was upsetting at times, but it also gave me a deeper appreciation for the complexities of healthcare access and the role of social determinants in health outcomes.”
On how these difficult moments impacted her, Temitayo shared: “These experiences made me reflect more deeply on the kind of doctor I want to be and the values I want to carry forward in my future practice.”
Choosing KMMS
Temitayo’s path to medicine wasn’t a traditional one. She first completed a BSc (Hons) in Medical Physiology and Therapeutics, which deepened her passion for healthcare and inspired her to pursue medicine.
“While researching different medical schools to find one that aligned with my strengths, I learned about five new medical schools set to open, including KMMS. The KMMS values really resonated with me, and I felt this was the place I wanted to be, especially when we were advised to dress comfortably so we could feel at ease and truly showcase our individual personalities during the Multiple Mini-Interview (MMI). Though the journey has not been straightforward or smooth, I am incredibly grateful for the resilience, discipline, determination, and strength I have built along the way.”
The Future
Temitayo is now preparing to begin her foundation training as a Foundation Year 1 (FY1) doctor – a milestone she’s both excited and ready for.
“I’m really looking forward to putting everything I’ve learned into practice, continuing to grow clinically, and developing confidence in managing patients more independently.”
She continued, “My elective in Ghana reminded me how much I value working in diverse healthcare settings and how important it is to understand the wider social and economic factors that affect patient care. I’m especially interested in emergency medicine, anaesthetics, global healthcare and women’s health, but I’m keeping an open mind as I continue my training and explore different specialties.”
For now, her focus is on being a compassionate and dependable member of the clinical team.
“I’m genuinely excited for the journey ahead to grow both professionally and personally and hopeful that I’ll be able to make a meaningful, positive impact on the lives of the patients I care for.”
Learn more about the Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (BM BS) programme.