Elective Africa

Choosing my 3-week rotation at Coast General Teaching and Referral Hospital was the best decision I ever made. Elective Africa made it as stress-free as possible, which allowed me to focus on school leading up to this experience. While at the hospital, I learned so much about the similarities and differences between American and Kenyan healthcare. At times in Mombasa, I had to really use my physical exam skills and history taking more than I would at home because the tests aren't always readily available. The doctors were also amazing at making sure I was learning and doing enough. They always kept me involved with the case at hand. I will forever be grateful that I was able to undergo such a wonderful experience, and I would highly recommend this trip to everyone.

I had a fantastic time abroad with Elective Africa. They were present every step of the way, from pre-departure planning to the entire stay. They coordinated our clinical experience, accommodations, transportation, and additional excursions in the area. My classmates and I enjoyed exploring the area and learning more about African culture and lifestyle with a visit to an orphanage, primary school, and a city tour. This was a unique experience that broadened my perspective on healthcare and patient care.

My time with Elective Africa was transformative, giving me hands-on clinical exposure in a resource-limited setting. I learned to adapt quickly, work effectively with local healthcare teams, and provide patient care with cultural sensitivity. Assisting in procedures and observing surgeries strengthened my clinical confidence, while engaging with the community deepened my understanding of healthcare disparities and reinforced my commitment to equitable, global health.

My experience with Elective Africa in Mombasa was an unforgettable one! Their supportive staff members and meaningful activities complement well with my eventful hospital attachment. It has allowed me to maximize my learning opportunities while exploring the beautiful city of Mombasa.

I loved my experience in Kenya. From interning the doctors to seeing the safari, I had a pleasant experience. I became fascinated with how the doctors managed the patient care life without having much of tools we have in US. I may be thinking of coming again some day. I would recommend anyone who wants to have a pre-med internship abroad to do it with Elective Africa

I'm not sure I'll ever be able to adequately summarize my time in Mombasa. There were countless lessons I learned through the opportunities available during my time there. The knowledge I've gained is invaluable and I've learned to value the process of all experiences in life. I saw a lot while shadowing: hurt, pain, agony, etc. However, what I will remember will be the strength of the mothers giving birth, the happiness of the medical student delivering babies, the bravery of the surgeons operating on patients, the tenderness of the pediatricians, and the welcoming arms of everyone in Kenya. Shadowing in Kenya has changed my perspective on life. No matter what career path I choose, the experiences I've lived in Mombasa will stick with me forever.

Photos

I had an amazing time during my placement in Mombasa, Kenya. The hospital was extremely welcoming, the people were all very friendly. I am looking forward to being able to go back after I start my career. The other students were very helpful when it came to familiarizing myself with the city and the hospital.

I had the best time in Mombasa with Elective Africa. During my 4 weeks with them, they made sure everything was organized and safe, and I cannot be thankful enough for their generous hospitality and proactive communication throughout. At the hospital, I had the opportunity to attach to the ER and surgical departments, where I participated in daily clinical activities such as ward rounds and case discussions, as well as picked up new skills such as IV cannula insertion and wound care. The doctors and nurses were very accomodating and treated me as if I were one of their medical students. Outside the hospital, Elective Africa provided a secure hostel with a driver and housekeeper, and I felt at home. I also got to experience the local culture through local tours and also join safari excursions in Tsavo East, among many other experiences. Overall, this trip was extrememly rewarding and I would definitely recommend Elective Africa to all future participants.

Photos

The program was an eye-opener in global health and medicine. Carol was fantastic and went out of her way to assist and accommodate us. The accommodation was reasonable (we enjoyed the many visits to the Mall). The chefs were very considerate and tried to accommodate all of us - despite me being a picky eater. Camel riding was fun. The hospital experience was informative, and I have a better understanding of the life of doctors in surgeons. The trip to the marine park was excellent - we saw many dolphins and beautiful coral and fish - but the negatives were - the unsuitable music in the mini-van while on our way there - and we would have liked to have our own snorkeling equipment. Without foot covers, I scraped my feet against the coral - and had to get medical attention - the boat captain wasn't exceptional either, nor was the slightly over-rated lunch - which we had to share with people we did not know. They ate all crab (inconsiderate). The safari was incredible - the tour guide, Joseph was the best - it was a memorable experience! The lodge was close to five stars - and the food was super! Overall, I enjoyed the trip - and feel better prepared to make a career decision. Thank you for a fantastic trip!

Photos

I will forever be grateful to elective Africa for giving me the best experience of my life. We were placed in the hospital where we were exposed to so many cases starting from regular cleaning all the way til oral surgeries to removing tumors. I learned a lot and got to experience the beautiful life in Kenya. I recommend this program to everyone. The staff was beyond amazing. They made sure we had everything we needed and supported us through all our ideas and put our visions into reality. I will be back soon Kenya. Asante Sana

Photos

I went to Mombasa, Kenya for 4 weeks this past summer and had an incredible experience. The living accommodations, food and help were all exceptional for everything we wanted to do. The time spent at the hospital was incredible as we had incredibly informative first hand experience in seeing all types of different work. The program was very accommodative and worked with our desires and goals for this trip.

Photos

My experience with Elective Africa was one I will never forget with this program. I was able to see and learn about medicine in a whole new way at the largest public hospital in Mombasa, Kenya. Elective Africa is an amazing program that provided me with many opportunities that I will be forever grateful for. I would recommend this program to anyone interested in furthering their medical knowledge. The knowledge I gained through my days at the hospital and with the doctors and medical professionals I worked with was truly unforgettable.

This internship in Mombasa exceeded all of my expectations. My prior experience with patient care during my domestic/university placements involved patients and cases far less critical and complex so the knowledge and skills I learnt in Mombasa are invaluable for me completing my degree and moving into my career. Being able to assist with births, resuscitations and see full body electrical burns are things as a student I was yet to even observe so being able to assist in the care was awesome. Not only was the experience in the hospital amazing but the country of Kenya and the people were just as amazing. The cultural activities and the traveling we did on the weekends to beautiful beaches just made the trip that much more enjoyable.

The experience was very educational. I learned a lot about a different healthcare system, which was my goal. The support staff were amazingly friendly, and did everything possible to make sure my experience was beneficial. The apartments where we lived were nice and clean and in a very safe part of town. The hospital staff were also very helpful, and many were great teachers. The only drawback for me was that the doctor who was supposed to be my preceptor went on an unexpected leave, so I didn’t really have one person with whom I worked closely. Instead, I worked with all of the doctors and interns in my department, which was a good learning experience for me.

The only downside is the communication in the hospital, I was supposed to be rotated to different departments but the nurse in charge didn't not respond to my calls or the calls from coach in practice. Overall the experience was excellent with lots of support from coach in practice (Salome) who help me to settle and checked on me very week. She also call on me to make sure I was fine.

I was impressed with the organisation of the program before arriving, and once in Mombassa there was always someone to contact to ask anything if needed. In terms of the actual placement and time in the hospital, the experience was absolutely fantastic, something that I will never forget. I started off on pediatrics, but quickly realised that it was already saturated with student nurses and decided to move to the Emergency Department. I spend most of the time in the Minor Surgery section of this department, and loved every minute, the staff were welcoming, friendly and eager to teach me things, always encouraging hands on work. The department closed early, so myself and the other volunteer tended to have the afternoons off as our department because very quiet. We also dipped in and out of other departments, observing surgery and and maternity. At the accommodation we had the opportunity to take Swahili lessons. The Swahili teacher was very patient and tailored the lessons to what I wanted to learn. But at the same time, you got out of it what you put in because attendance was optional. The location of the accommodation was good and had easy access to shops, cafes, the sea, a swimming pool and locals to make friends with. It was very clean and well looked after. However, if I were to return, I would probably find different accommodation, simply because felt very separated and did not feel immersed in the culture and typical daily life of locals in Mombassa. I think that living with a host family I would have learn more about the cultural differences and felt more involved.

Really well organised programme from the beginning - Justina was quick to answer all my questions and concerns. Then when on the ground Phabian was amazing. Always around to help if I had any issues and to sort out logistical stuff. Our drivers Peter and Richard were wonderful and cared so much about us. Harriet our Mama who did all our cooking was like a mum away from home. I miss her so much already!!! The hospital was a whole different world and although it was shocking at times I don’t regret going and am so grateful for the experience.

It is difficult to believe the disparities in healthcare. If you want to experience this for yourself you must intern in a developing country and discover ways you can make a difference. In my opinion, I feel blessed to have had such an inordinate experience.

I'm a med that came here for a medical elective and I have to say that I've had a lot of clinical experience being here. The CPGH has a lot of great doctors willing to accommodate and educate you. The people of Elective Africa are super nice and I enjoyed my time with them a lot. Accommodation was nice and spacious. Carol, one of the coordinators, really made sure that my time here was as smooth and enjoyable as possible.

I had a really fantastic time working in Coast Provincial General Hospital in Mombasa, Kenya through Elective Africa. When I arrived, although it was a long day of travel, my supervisor and driver were there to meet me at the airport and immediately made me feel at home in Kenya. Our housing is very comfortable with a nice bedroom, kitchen, and living room. Likewise, it was wonderful to have another girl from the US there with me to spend time with and learn from both inside and out of the hospital. Each of the doctors I worked with was very kind and some allowed me to try new tasks such as drawing blood and taking vitals of patients. While the Swahili language barrier was a challenge, many of the doctors explained cases later in English so that I was able to comprehend. On the weekend, I had a very exciting once in a lifetime experience on the Masai Mara safari and was able to see the big five while learning about the Masai tribe. I definitely recommend going on the safari with a friend as it is a very long day of travel to Nairobi and a seven-hour drive afterward to get there and back. Overall, one suggestion to improve the program would be to advise students when the best time is to come to Mombasa so that there are other students of similar age in Mombasa with them. This certainly made my adjustment easier and I wish I could have had my friend there for the entire three weeks. Overall, I had a great experience and want to thank you elective Africa for introducing me to the beautiful culture, people, and world of medicine in Kenya!