Alumni Interview with Dylan Sheedy

What inspired you to travel abroad? 

Inspired by underprivileged and underdeveloped communities, I traveled abroad to not only experience but also provide hands-on aid to those in need. The opportunity to travel abroad allowed myself to remain grounded and thankful for the smaller things in life, which many, too often, take for granted. 

Why did you choose International Medical Aid? 

I chose International Medical Aid due to its great reputation and its ability not only to provide unparalleled learning, but also an incredible journey throughout the host country. The program allowed the opportunity to dive into a variety of departments at CPGH. Personally, the ability to learn in an underdeveloped country and hospital, working alongside amazing surgeons and physicians, was the most defining and appealing aspect of the program. The program directors were beyond helpful from first application to the final flight back home. I am beyond grateful towards IMA and beyond happy that I chose the program. 

What was your favorite part about Mombasa, Kenya? 

The locals of Mombasa were by far my favorite part about the host country. I was amazed by the positive attitudes and friendliness I was greeted with by each individual. Through hard conditions, both living and work, the locals of Mombasa did not have one complaint. In America, many people often complain on a regular basis on a variety of circumstances. However, I found it amazing that not once did a local of Mombasa complain about their own condition. I have taken this as a lesson for myself which I now implement in my everyday life, and also encourage others to take a step back and realize the life in which they have. 

What made your experience abroad extraordinary? 

The ability to experience first-hand the diseases and illnesses that I have only read about made my experience abroad extraordinary. Being a huge nerd for medicine, I found it amazing to experience the symptoms of diseases such as AIDS, Malaria, and Dengue Fever. It truly was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience and gather the knowledge of so many diseases, procedures and illnesses in such a short month. 

How did the local staff support you throughout your program? 

The local staff, both in the hospital and the program directors, were beyond amazing. The surgeons and physicians were more than approachable and were genuinely happy to provide an answer to any question or to explain a technique or procedure. Dr. Pablo, a pediatric surgeon in training, was personally a great support system for myself. We became quite close over the month I was present in Kenya. He was able to explain many procedures and symptoms of illnesses in great detail. On my last night in Kenya we enjoyed a small dinner at a local restaurant. We remain in contact to this day as I am very appreciative for all he has done. 

What's one thing you wish you would have done differently during your time abroad? 

One thing I would have loved to do differently was to experience one other department at CPGH with the time I had. I was amazed by Dr. Judy, in the neonatal unit, and chose to do two weeks instead of one. Although I loved the department, and look towards a career in neonatology, the experience of another department would have been unparalleled. 

Describe what a typical day in your life abroad looked like. 

A typical day resulted in a wake-up at around 6am in the morning. I would head off to breakfast and get ready for my day at the hospital. My time at the hospital was spent shadowing the surgeons and physicians of the department in which I was assigned. Gaining knowledge from the doctors and asking questions was typical throughout the day. Upon arrival to the residence, I began writing the notes I made throughout the day into my daily journal. I found it helpful to keep a journal to highlight all that I learned within the month at the hospital.

Afternoons often consisted of day-trips to planned locations from the directors or trips to the beach. Dinner was always made at the residence. However, most nights myself and the other interns would go out to the local restaurants throughout the town and spend a majority of the night at the resorts down the street. I still hold all the memories made very close to me as it is one of the best months I have ever had. 

What did you enjoy doing in your free time abroad? 

During my free time abroad, I genuinely enjoyed the company of the other interns. Not having the ability to live on campus at my college (stuck commuting), this program granted my first opportunity to live on my own. I enjoyed being with the other interns as I do not get that opportunity very often. We spent most of the free time at the local restaurants at night and the local resorts down the street. Some of the best memories of my life were made with the other interns and we remain in contact to this day. 

What type of accommodation did you have? What did you like best about it? 

Accommodations included a gated residence and a personal chef. Both were amazing, as Chef Wilson (who I have remained close friends with) and George the gatekeeper made the experience unparalleled. Both men were extremely funny, giving, and just a pleasure to be around. However, what I enjoyed best was the fact that the directors allowed the interns to do our own thing once the work day was over. We were able to move around the city, go to resorts, and go out at night, which were some of the best times I have ever had. 

What is one thing every future participant should know about International Medical Aid before their program begins? 

A future participant should know that certain situations may become uncomfortable, but not only will it make you a stronger individual, but it will only make you a better doctor. There will be harmful situations, tragic situations, and happy situations, all to be taken seriously. However, there will not be a better experience for an aspiring physician trying to gain hands-on knowledge. 

Would you recommend International Medical Aid to others? Why? 

I cannot say enough great things about the IMA program and highly recommend to all interested in going abroad. From the directors, to the physicians, to everyone involved, are beyond amazing. The month I spent with the program holds some of the most special memories I have ever had. The program provides an opportunity not only to experience how physicians work in underdeveloped communities, but also to gain amazing knowledge from a variety of departments. 

What do you feel the biggest benefit of traveling abroad is? 

The biggest benefit of traveling abroad is by far the aspect of self-improvement. By experiencing the different cultures and individuals, one is able to reflect on their own life. Personally, I am much more appreciative for the life that I have and urge others to reflect in the same way. 

Now that you're home, how has your time abroad impacted your life? 

The time I spent abroad has made me live a much more appreciative life. With my time in Kenya, I was able to partake in a hygiene clinic. At this clinic I was fortunate enough to provide toothpaste to children of a village in Mombasa. Seeing the smiles of all the children as they received their toothpaste put many things into perspective. The simple act of brushing teeth, that many take for granted, is in some ways a luxury to these children. By experiencing their appreciation, I was able to focus on the little things in life and the things that truly matter as I made my way home from traveling abroad. It truly was an eye-opening experience and I have encouraged many others to try to find and appreciate the little things in their own lives. 

What does meaningful travel mean to you? 

Meaningful travel genuinely means the world to me. Having the opportunity to experience a culture in need and the individuals that encompass the culture was unbelievable. Being a part of a program bigger than myself was truly a blessing as I was able to help those who are less fortunate than myself. The whole experience from start to finish was amazing, and I would do it again in a heartbeat.