The Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Kumasi has welcomed a group of 29 students and four faculty members from South Dakota State University (SDSU), USA, who are in Ghana as part of a health and cultural exchange programme.
The initiative, aimed at promoting excellence in health and cultural understanding, is being coordinated through KNUST University Health Services and the International Programmes Office(IPO).
During a courtesy call on the Vice-Chancellor, Dr. Ebenezer Asamoah Nyarkoh of the University Health Services noted that the group has been involved in clinical rotations across various departments, including the emergency unit, consulting rooms, wards, and other hospital departments.
"This setup allows for meaningful interaction with staff, an understanding of the services we provide, and an opportunity to compare perspectives between our institutions," he said.
Professor Greg Heiberger, Associate Dean of Academics and Student Success at SDSU, highlighted the significance of the programme, stating, "Our students aim to become healthcare professionals, and the integration of health, science, and culture is invaluable. This programme was designed over a decade ago as a true exchange, not a one-sided initiative. We hosted pharmacy students from KNUST previously and look forward to reciprocating again soon."
He also commended the unique opportunities KNUST offers in clinical education.
Professor Mrs. Rita Akosua Dickson, Vice-Chancellor of KNUST, warmly welcomed the team and commended the longstanding partnership, particularly SDSU's support in establishing the university’s augmented reality labs and enhancing its e-learning infrastructure.
"Thanks to this collaboration, KNUST now supports over 36 affiliated institutions and 76 Ministry of Health Training Institutions with shared access to these learning tools,” she noted.
She urged the students to embrace the global nature of healthcare.
“Whether in Kumasi or South Dakota, your services will impact people from all walks of life. Experiences like this prepare you for that global responsibility,” she said, recounting a personal experience of witnessing doctors save a life mid-air en route to London.
Professor Dickson encouraged the students to learn, unlearn, and relearn during their stay. “Give us feedback. That is very important. We must always ask, ‘What next?’ as we move forward, especially in this age of AI and rapidly changing global dynamics.”
