What inspired you to travel abroad?
Initially, my decision to go abroad stemmed from a desire to expand my clinical knowledge and gain hands-on experience in a healthcare setting. I was eager to immerse myself in a different culture, witness healthcare practices in resource-limited environments, and contribute to underserved communities. Growing up in the U.S., I had always heard about global health disparities, but I wanted to see them first-hand, believing this experience would help me grow as a future physician. My motivation was simple: to learn, help, and explore. However, my time in Kenya profoundly reshaped these motivations, offering me a deeper understanding of healthcare and exposing the ‘bubble’ I had been living in. On my first day in a village, I took blood pressure and directed patients to further testing. I felt a sense of accomplishment, believing I was making a meaningful impact. However, as the days went on, that initial sense of purpose was overshadowed by a growing awareness of the systemic barriers these communities faced. I witnessed patients unable to afford even basic care, such as a man with a broken hand who had waited months to save enough for treatment. In the Accident and Emergency Theater, I saw a young woman with HIV pass away due to an overworked staff. In the ICU, I saw a burn victim who was burned on an underdeveloped power line. Reflecting on these experiences, I recognized the ‘bubble’ of privilege I had lived in. Back home, my challenges seemed trivial—stress over exams or deciding what to wear on any given day. In Kenya, I encountered children playing soccer barefoot on rocky ground, smiling despite lacking necessities. This contrast shattered my initial, more simplistic motivations and replaced them with a deeper drive. What inspired me to go abroad has evolved. While I initially sought clinical experience and cultural immersion, I left with a profound commitment to addressing healthcare disparities and bridging the gap between privilege and access.
Andrew, with other IMA participants, is holding gifts for the students.
Why did you choose International Medical Aid (IMA)?
I chose International Medical Aid because it offered a unique blend of clinical exposure and community engagement in an underserved area. The opportunity to shadow healthcare professionals in resource-limited settings intrigued me, as I wanted to understand how they adapted to challenges such as limited sanitation and scarce medical supplies. Additionally, the program’s emphasis on outreach—taking blood pressure, teaching hygiene, and working in mental health clinics—aligned with my passion for patient-centered care. Through its immersive approach, the program allowed me to connect with patients beyond their diagnoses, fostering a deeper understanding of global health disparities and cultural resilience.
What made Mombasa, Kenya, unforgettable?
My favorite part of Mombasa, and Kenya in general, was the culture. From the moment I arrived, I was struck by how welcoming and joyful everyone was, even in the face of significant challenges. I remember the kids in the village playing soccer barefoot on rocky ground, laughing and full of energy. The sense of community was so strong, especially in the hospitals where families played an active role in patient care by grabbing water, assisting with hygiene, and maintaining medical records. One moment that stood out was when I joined a dance circle during a mental health clinic. It was such a fun, spontaneous way to connect with people, and it reminded me how powerful human connection can be. This experience not only opened my eyes to a new way of life but also deepened my appreciation for the resilience and kindness of others.
What made your experience in Kenya extraordinary?
I went to Kenya thinking I would simply help, learn, and contribute, but I ended up being deeply moved by the kindness and resilience of the people I met. In Kenya, despite the challenges they face, people were so positive and genuinely happy. I was amazed by the strength of the community, especially in the hospitals, where families played such an active role in caring for patients. I was able to bond and teach the kids in schools and play soccer with them on the beach and at the orphanage, and it felt as if I was part of their culture even though I was there for only 4 weeks. It was eye-opening to experience a culture so different from my own. Not only did this make my experience extraordinary, but I also found a new spark in my desire to become a doctor. This began in the Accident and Emergency Theater. When I first walked into the hospital, I prepared myself for the worst – chaos, blood, screaming, and other heart-wrenching scenes. I'm thankful I had that mindset because on my first day, I experienced my first death, and everything I expected was there. Two patients were lying side by side – one male on dialysis and a female with HIV(or RVD). Both were in critical condition, convulsing and unconscious. The only signs of life were the beeping monitors. As I was walking around with the doctor, I suddenly heard that all-too-familiar high-pitched beep signaling the female’s oxygen levels were dangerously low. It was worse than I had ever seen before. Despite the doctors' attempts to stabilize her, nothing worked. They were fighting against what they knew was inevitable – the brain damage was too severe, and chest compressions wouldn’t save her. What followed was the chaos and heartbreak I wasn’t fully prepared for. The patient's daughter came in, screaming and desperate. She grabbed my shoulders, pleading with me to do something, anything. It was gut-wrenching, and I couldn’t do a thing. I felt powerless. It was a feeling I had never experienced before – knowing that I couldn’t jump in to help in such a moment of urgency. That night, as I reflected, I realized that as a student, my role was to observe and learn. I wasn’t qualified to act, but I couldn’t shake the feeling of guilt. The next day, I saw patients overflowing into hallways, their lives hanging by a thread, but the doctors were so overwhelmed they couldn’t give everyone the attention they needed. All I could do was offer them water and some comfort. That helplessness stuck with me and, in many ways, solidified my desire to pursue medicine. I never want to feel that helpless again, and I’m motivated now more than ever to dive in and help, especially in places where the need is so dire. This internship has motivated me more than ever to become a doctor. it is not just a want to be a doctor, but almost a need to. I am forever motivated to learn and that motivation was sparked by my experience abroad. That is what made my experience abroad extraordinary- the cultural immersion and the impact the experiences left on my mind.
Andrew and other IMA participants with the Masai Mara tribe.
How did the local program staff support you throughout your program?
The local staff was extremely helpful throughout the program. Whenever somebody was sick, they were always a phone call away. Whenever it was breakfast, lunch, or dinner time, a full meal and snacks were provided. Whenever anyone had questions, they were more than happy to answer. They were personable and made a clear plan each day for all of us. The drivers were always on time, and everyone was accounted for before they even got on the first flight. Going to a country by yourself is a lot for anyone, and all staff members were welcoming at all times, allowing a smooth transition into the country.
If given a chance, is there anything you’d want to do differently during your time in Kenya?
I don’t have many regrets because I made it a goal to be fully present and take advantage of every opportunity while I was there. That said, if I could do it again, I wish I had kept a more detailed journal. I captured the major moments, but so many small, meaningful interactions, such as conversations with patients or even interacting with the locals. Those moments held many lessons, and having a more thorough record would’ve helped me reflect on them more deeply and share those stories better with others.
Describe what a typical day in your life in Mombasa looked like.
Every day varied abroad. Whether it was a weekday or weekend, a night shift was picked up, or there was a safari signed up for, the program was very diverse. Typically, if no safari was taken and no night shifts were picked up, everyone would go to Coast General Teaching and Referral Hospital and shadow at the weekly placement from roughly 8:00am to 1:00pm. We would then go back to the residence and either teach at a school, visit an orphanage, or pick up an afternoon shift at the same or different department at the hospital. After dinner, it was relaxed, and it was time to go to the local malls, go to dinner, swim in the pool, and embrace the country.
If you weren’t tending to patients, what were you doing for fun?
I truly enjoyed every aspect of my time abroad, from working in the hospital to exploring the city during my free time. One highlight was our city tour during the first weekend in Mombasa. We visited different landmarks and met members of local tribes, which gave us a deeper appreciation of the city’s rich culture. This foundation made it easier to navigate the city, whether we were going out for dinner or shopping at the nearby mall. We also spent time relaxing at the beach and by the pool at our residence, where we bonded with the other interns.
Andrew proudly posing with students after their workshop at the Hygiene Clinic.
What type of accommodation did you have? What did you like best about it?
The accommodations provided by International Medical Aid were excellent. The staff took care of everything, including laundry, preparing three meals a day, and keeping the rooms clean and organized. Each person had at least one roommate, and the rooms were spacious and comfortable. There was a common area with a TV where everyone could gather, and we also had access to a pool, which was a great way to unwind. The drivers were reliable and always punctual, making it easy for groups to get to their next destination. The attention to detail and care made the experience even more enjoyable.
What is one thing every future participant should know about your program before theirs begins?
One thing every future participant should know is to approach the program with an open mind and be ready to adapt quickly. The healthcare environment in Kenya is very different from what you might be used to, with limited resources and overworked staff, but this creates a unique opportunity to learn about medicine in a challenging yet rewarding setting. Be prepared to witness some difficult situations, but also know that these moments will teach you resilience and empathy. Embrace the culture, connect with the locals, and take full advantage of every experience both in and outside the hospital.
Would you recommend International Medical Aid (IMA)? Why?
I would highly recommend International Medical Aid to others. The program offers an incredible combination of hands-on medical experience, cultural immersion, and community engagement. One of the most rewarding aspects was teaching many age ranges and interacting with local communities, which deepened my appreciation for their culture and resilience. Shadowing doctors and learning about healthcare in resource-limited settings gave me a new perspective on patient care. The program also ensured we were fully immersed in the local culture, whether through village visits, city tours, or participating in traditional activities. It is a life-changing experience that I believe everyone should have.
What do you feel is the biggest benefit of traveling abroad?
The biggest benefit of traveling abroad is discovering yourself in ways you never could within your usual bubble. Being in Kenya, I was confronted with realities that forced me to reflect on my own privilege and limitations. It was humbling to see the resilience of communities facing immense challenges and to witness the profound impact of even small acts of care. Stepping outside of my comfort zone helped me realize my motivation to pursue medicine was deeper than I thought. It wasn’t just about learning science but about making a real difference in places where resources are scarce. That realization has shaped both my personal and professional goals.
Andrew with Kenyans in the Mental Health Clinic.
Now that you're home, how has your time in Kenya affected your life?
Now that I’m home, my time abroad has had a profound impact on my life, especially on my motivation to become a doctor. One moment that stands out was that moment in the Accident and Emergency Theater, where I witnessed my first patient death. That experience, coupled with the chaos and desperation in the room, brought an overwhelming sense of helplessness. I remember a patient’s daughter grabbing my shoulders, pleading for me to save her mother, and realizing there was nothing I could do. That feeling of powerlessness has stayed with me, but instead of discouraging me, it fueled my drive to pursue medicine with a renewed passion. This experience was more than just a wake-up call. It made me realize how much I want to serve in places where resources are scarce, and doctors are stretched thin. The cultural immersion also deepened my understanding of healthcare disparities and strengthened my empathy for others. Since coming back, I’ve approached my studies with a greater sense of purpose, knowing that the knowledge and skills I’m working toward could one day make a life-changing difference for someone else. That spark of motivation I discovered abroad is now a constant drive in my head.
What does meaningful travel mean to you?
Meaningful travel, to me, is about stepping outside of your comfort zone and immersing yourself in a culture with the intent to connect, learn, and grow. It’s not just about visiting new places; it’s about understanding the lives, struggles, and joys of the people who live there. My experience in Kenya taught me that meaningful travel is about more than the sights—it’s about the shared human experience. It’s about listening to stories, sharing meals, and engaging with communities in a way that fosters mutual respect and understanding. It’s learning from moments that challenge your worldview, like witnessing the resilience of patients in a resource-limited hospital or the joy of children playing soccer on rocky ground. It’s also about building relationships with people from all over the world. Meeting other interns, each with their own perspectives and experiences, expanded my understanding of global healthcare and created lifelong friendships. Meaningful travel leaves a lasting impact not just on the traveler but also on the communities visited. It’s about coming home with a renewed sense of purpose and a desire to contribute positively to the world, inspired by the connections and lessons you gained along the way.
