Volunteering with Intention: Lessons from Dr. Diane

Today, we spotlight Dr. Diane, a founding team member whose journey during her mandatory one-year housemanship at a hospital highlights the power of volunteering with intention.

From the start, Diane was determined to make impact in antimicrobial stewardship (AMS). Right from her first few weeks in the facility, she looked for ways to contribute to the hospital’s AMS team. She began with small but important tasks like reviewing cases and encouraging prescribers to make necessary interventions. Over time, her role grew, and she became more involved in stewardship activities.

Her contributions quickly went beyond the basics. Diane actively participated in ICU handshake stewardship rounds, helping to ensure antimicrobial resistance (AMR) interventions were properly implemented. Her passion for education and advocacy also led her to give presentations, including a session on managing multidrug-resistant infections at a TEACH AMS Echo session.

Beyond UGMC, Diane continued expanding her knowledge. She took part in Pfizer-organized training sessions and the CwPAMS programme, both of which strengthened her skills in antimicrobial stewardship. Her leadership abilities were soon recognized, and she was appointed Co-Team Lead for Community Engagement for WAAW 2024. In this role, she helps plan impactful outreach and education efforts to raise awareness about AMR.

A major milestone in her journey was being officially inducted as a UGMC AMS Champion.

Together, Diane and her team achieved incredible results:

✅ Engaged with hospital staff.

✅ Connected with over 150 clients at the Outpatient Department (OPD).

✅ Distributed more than 200 flyers.

✅ Hosted a session with University of Ghana students.

✅ Collected over 100 pledges for actions to fight AMR.

✅ Reached 50+ individuals at the Legon Night Market.

Reflecting on a statement, “Ideas are easy; execution is hard,” Diane recalls how she wasn’t sure how her plan would come together at first. But thanks to an amazing team, her vision turned into something truly impactful.

Looking back on her journey, Diane says that volunteering with intention has been key to her success. “It wasn’t just about being involved—it was about choosing where to contribute in a way that made a meaningful difference.” Her story shows how purposeful volunteering isn’t just about gaining experience—it’s about making an impact, creating new opportunities, and growing in ways you never imagined.

A Lesson for Us All

Diane’s story is a reminder that anyone can contribute to antimicrobial stewardship, regardless of their role or level of experience. Proactive engagement, continuous learning, and teamwork can drive real change. Whether it’s reviewing cases, leading awareness campaigns, or simply advocating for better practices in your workplace, every effort counts.

At AWARE Ghana, ee encourage all students to take initiative in AMS efforts, be proactive in their learning, and find ways to make a difference in their institutions. Small steps can lead to meaningful change, and just like Diane, you too can leave a lasting impact.

We celebrate Diane for her resilience, leadership, and dedication to AMR advocacy. The impact she has made so far is just the beginning!