Benjamin Abbam, a third-year Medical Laboratory Sciences student at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi (KNUST), is developing a broader understanding of a profession he once associated mainly with hospital laboratories, where medical laboratory scientists conduct tests to support the diagnosis and treatment of diseases.
However, his experience at KNUST has gradually changed that perception, giving him a broader understanding of the profession and its possibilities.
He recalled that his first exposure to a different perspective came during his departmental orientation, where lecturers shared their experiences as former Medical Laboratory Sciences students. Their accounts helped him see the discipline beyond the conventional understanding of the profession.
“Before coming to KNUST, I had this perception about Medical Laboratory Sciences that is very common in our part of the world, that medical laboratory scientists are confined to hospital labs, working in the labs. Everything they do is confined to the hospital,” he said.
Abbam described his first few weeks as challenging, as he tried to settle into a new academic and social environment. With guidance from lecturers and senior course mates, he gradually found his feet and became familiar with the University's academic system.
The transition into his second year brought another level of difficulty as the academic demands of the programme increased. Rather than becoming easier with time, he found the coursework increasingly demanding.
“I think in this case, it was quite the opposite, because things were getting a little tough. The difficulty level of the programme started rising,” he said.
Through these challenges, the support he received from lecturers and senior students remained a constant source of guidance. He noted that this support has continued into his third year, helping him navigate the demands of the programme.
Looking back, Abbam considers his experience at KNUST a rewarding one. Beyond the academic knowledge he has gained, he values the guidance and encouragement that have helped him navigate the different stages of his university journey.
“So far, I would say that my experience in KNUST has been a very good one. I have had the chance to go through it with the help of others,” he said.
As he progresses through the programme, Abbam added that he is developing a broader understanding of Medical Laboratory Sciences, with his experience at KNUST shaping not only his academic journey but also his perception of the profession.
Story: Belinda Opoku Danso
