Nikaidoh Award – a Recipient’s Story

Dr. Rachel Anne Golin, a pediatrician with Baylor College of Medicine, is a recent recipient of the Hitoshi Nikaidoh, M.D. Memorial Award. The Nikaidoh award fund was created to allow qualified candidates such as Dr. Golin to participate in medical mission work, both domestically and in foreign countries. CHRISTUS Foundation for HealthCare salutes Dr. Golin for her service to those in need.

In fulfillment of the award, Dr. Golin traveled to Ghana, West Africa in April of 2011. While in Ghana, she helped direct care for newborns, children and families at the Baptist Medical Centre. Her story – and photos from her journey – are featured here.

This is Dr. Golin's story. For her complete photo gallery, please scroll to the bottom of the page.

"The Baptist Medical Centre (BMC) is a 123-bed hospital located in the Northern Region of Ghana, West Africa. I first had the opportunity to visit BMC as a fourth year medical student in 2009. I was able to return to BMC for approximately two weeks this past April. As a pediatric resident, I was provided the opportunity to help direct care of the newborn babies in the maternity ward and the children in the pediatric ward.

As I have progressed through my medical training, I’ve had the privilege of seeing an immense increase in my ability to deliver physical health care. However, it has been more difficult to cultivate my ability to deliver spiritual health care. It was this discrepancy that fueled my desire to return to the BMC during my residency.

Each morning (Sunday – Saturday) begins with rounding on the inpatients. I enjoyed the challenge of treating patients and seeing God work some incredible miracles.

One of the greatest highlights was being able to teach the pediatric nursing staff some basics of pediatric care. The nurses were eager to learn as much as they could. What a privilege to pass along some of the knowledge God has enabled me to learn! It is my hope to continue to teach – and learn from!! -- other health care professionals in other countries to better the healthcare of children around the globe.

One afternoon I was able to journey with the public health department for antenatal visits in a remote village approximately one hour away from the hospital. As soon as we arrived we were greeted by a local pastor requesting us to help a woman with quadriplegia who was in distressed labor. We were able to  transport the lady to BMC where she gave birth to a healthy, beautiful baby boy. It was special being able to be a part of Daniel’s entrance into the world; and it was a great compliment when I was asked to choose his name.

Rounding on the TB patients gave me increased exposure to learning about the care and treatment required for TB patients in a resource-limited setting. I was also able to pray with and encourage the staff and patients.

Much to my surprise, when I arrived at the BMC, there were seven fourth year medical students from various cities across the United States; two more students arrived during my short two week stay. It was fun getting to discuss challenging cases with them. For some, it was their first time serving in a such a remote area. It was a blessing getting to know each one and being able to encourage them as they look forward to starting their intern year.

It was also wonderful getting to know the missionaries who devote so much to serve others (local Ghanaians, the hospital staff, the volunteers, etc.). God has surely equipped a special team to help further His kingdom in Ghana.

God also enabled me to introduce two close friends from Houston to missions in Africa. What a special treat to be able to see God work in all three of our lives!

Despite the long and hard days at the hospital, I always made it a point to interact with healthy Ghanaians every evening. As an adoptee, one of my favorite places to visit was the orphanage. Here I am with my fellow Houstonian, Nikki, and some of the children from the orphanage. They have such sweet spirits and are growing to know how much their Heavenly Father cares for and loves them.

As I look forward to the future, it is with great excitement that I anticipate returning to Africa after residency. There is no doubt that the experiences I gained at the BMC will enable me to deliver better  care – both physical and spiritual – to the children in Africa. Thank you, CHRISTUS Foundation, for investing in me by awarding me the Nikaidoh scholarship. To God be the glory."