Welcome to the Eldercare Workforce Alliance! Tell us about yourself.
My name is Tiffany Appiah, I’m from Accra, Ghana. I am a senior at American university with a major in public health on the premed track. I have a strong interest in health policy and reproductive justice. When I’m not working on school stuff, I’m performing poetry or painting.
What made you interested in EWA?
I had a class with former intern Abigail Mwaura. She shone a light on EWA. I honestly wasn’t aware of many of the policy issues around the care of older adults. For example, I recently learned that Medicare doesn’t cover most dental care, routine vision care and hearing aids. I appreciate the work EWA is doing to affect changes in policy that will help in the care of older adults. I like helping the community, which is one of the main reasons I was so drawn to EWA.
What are you interested in doing after your internship with EWA?
After my internship, I am hopeful to find a job in the public health field. This includes but not limited to health policy, reproductive justice and community wellness while taking my prerequisites and studying for the MCAT. As my ultimate goal is to become a doctor.
What in your experiences growing up in Ghana made you want to pursue medicine?
It is no shock that the health system in Africa hasn’t been the best. That being said, I grew up watching the people I love lose their lives to mistakes made by healthcare professionals. A few days before my high school graduation, I watched one of the most important people in my life die, because she was misdiagnosed. At that point, I realized changes needed to be made-both behind the scenes and at the front lines. I chose to study public health on the pre-med track as it gives me the opportunity to promote and protect the health of those in my community. Being on the pre-med track will give me the chance to treat people who have been battling long-term illnesses. In Ghana, there needs to be a drastic change in our intervention methods. I am determined to bring change to my country, and although the journey may be difficult, it is a journey I am willing to take.