The former Scone Grammar School student is currently completing his fifth year of a six year medical degree at the University of NSW and on November 14 he will set off to Ghana to work for a month. 

The 23-year-old and a few friends who were keen to step out of their comfort zones chose Africa for their medical elective placement, which could have been completed anywhere in the world. 

Imants grew up in Scone and throughout his studies to date has worked in many large Australian hospitals, however he is looking forward to the challenge of working in a much different environment where resources are quite limited. 

For the first three weeks he will work as a junior doctor in the             emergency department of a large hospital in Takoradi. 

The final week will be spent working in a small village medical centre at Akwadaa where Imants will also have the opportunity to integrate with the local community, stay with a family and enjoy sports with the children, especially football. 

Imants said he is really looking forward to the experience and grateful that it has been possible to organise through Work The World. 

He said he thinks the main challenges will be the lack of resources to work with and dealing with much more serious illnesses. 

“Preparing to see people in pain and not necessarily being able to help isn’t easy, but it will be good to get some perspective on how lucky we are with our health system in Australia,” he said.

In the lead up to his adventure, Imants has been actively fundraising in order to purchase medical supplies for the medical centre. 

He has also been collecting basic stationary supplies and old story books, especially Australian themed stories for the children, so he can share the Australian culture and make a lasting impression. 

Many Scone Grammar School students and parents have made donations, and Imants said he is very appreciative of their efforts.

The school is having an out of uniform day tomorrow to raise funds for Imants’ campaign.