What inspired you to travel abroad?
Being from the UK and having not visited many countries outside of Europe, I wanted to experience the beauty and reality of Kenya. I also wanted to push myself, broaden my experiences and perspectives of the world especially in the area I'm fascinated with, healthcare. It was important to me to educate myself on the disparities in healthcare opportunities and standards across the globe, to better my understanding and hopefully help alleviate these inequalities in future.
Why did you choose International Medical Aid (IMA)?
After a vast amount of research, IMA stood out to me as the best program for multiple reasons. Initially, this was because of its links to the prestigious Johns Hopkins University, but as I read the Founders' message I immediately loved what IMA stood for. IMA provided a safe and welcoming environment, encouraging its interns to look beyond the ideas and experiences they had grown up with.
Being with a non-profit organization was also very important for me; I wanted to be educated in the healthcare disparities across the globe and not contribute to a money making business. Not only did IMA show me these healthcare inequalities first-hand, but IMA also provided opportunities to explore the beauty of Kenya, as well as suggesting ways in which its future healthcare could improve.
This is me having a blast exploring the town Malindi in Kenya during August 2022.
What was your favorite part about Kenya?
100% the people. The program's local team was incredibly friendly, helpful, and welcoming. They were a major reason my experience was so positive! I smiled and laughed everyday. I always felt safe and supported as I was exposed to new, challenging experiences.
Kenya is also so different from where I am from. It was an exciting and fascinating experience to try local foods, learn about Kenyan culture and our intertwined histories, and be amongst its incredible landscapes and wildlife.
What made your experience abroad extraordinary?
Again, it's got to be the people and opportunities I experienced whilst in Kenya. The local IMA team and fellow interns were all so friendly and supportive, we all instantly felt at home in Mombasa. The opportunities I had whilst abroad were extraordinary.
My shadowing at Coast General Hospital exposed me to the realities of the standard of healthcare for so many across the world, as well as educate me in medical, surgical and autopsy procedures. It was not easy but we always had people to talk to at the compound and the local and tourist attractions were incredible. I was fortunate enough to go on a marine safari in Malindi and the infamous Masai Mara safari, plus exploring Mombasa city. These are memories I will treasure forever, seeing a truly beautiful Kenya.
How did the local program staff support you throughout your program?
I felt supported throughout my whole experience with IMA. The administration team during the application process were informative and replied to me promptly, then my program mentor, Margaret, was there for me before, during and after my time in Mombasa, providing me with support and opportunities throughout.
The local team was also incredible. I was picked up in the early hours of the morning by Benson who was part of a team of drivers always there to drive us to and from the hospital, plus outreach clinics, educational and tourist trips. I am so grateful to them for helping us safely get around and being the most amazing people to spend time with.
The kitchen team also made us the most incredible local meals and the housekeeping team gave us clean clothes and bedding which I am forever grateful for. The IMA compound had 24/7 security made me feel safe and welcome every time I entered and was at the compound. The mentor team and clinical associates from Coast General Hospital informed us and helped talk us through our experiences in a constructive way; teaching us the realities of what we were experiencing but also how we could use this understanding for the better. I am so appreciative of the help and support I was given during my experience with IMA.
International Medical Aid (IMA) group photo doing outreach for the health clinic.
Did International Medical Aid (IMA) provide specific pre-departure Covid support? If yes, please tell us what kind of support you received.
IMA gave us information about how COVID had impacted Kenya and Coast General Hospital, and continued this upon arrival. We were also encouraged to bring PPE with us and instructed to be fully up to date with our COVID vaccinations before traveling to Kenya. Information about the procedure in case we did contract COVID whilst out there was given to us before arrival, putting my mind at rest that a plan was in place.
How did your program help you stay (and feel) safe abroad amidst the ongoing pandemic?
I had confirmed my place during the COVID pandemic and couldn't travel that summer as I had previously arranged. I emailed IMA with my concerns and they happily rescheduled my whole internship and trips to the following summer (2022). Whilst in the hospital and on outreach sessions to local health clinics, we were provided with masks and hand sanitizer was always at the ready, making me feel protected against COVID.
What's one thing you wish you would have done differently during your time abroad?
It was the first time I had traveled alone or been so far across the world, hence I was quite anxious. During the first week I was probably more hesitant to ask questions and get stuck into my internship whilst settling in; in hindsight I had little to worry about! There were also some local opportunities I turned down at the time which I wished I had done, however these points are minor and my overall feeling is what a great experience I had.
I worked hard with the other interns to help with the feminine hygiene sessions.
Describe what a typical day in your life abroad looked like.
We would wake up relatively early for a delicious breakfast and were driven to Coast General Hospital for around 8 to 9 a.m. to start our weekly rotations shadowing in different hospital departments. I shadowed in A&E, surgery and internal medicine, as well as spending a few mornings in the morgue and a private pathology lab.
Between 8 and 9 a.m. till 12 and 1 p.m. we would watch procedures, shadow doctors and ask questions about different treatment plans, plus understand the causes of common diseases and understand the limited resources. In the afternoon you could choose to do an afternoon shift in the same or another department till 4 p.m., or return to the compound and have a debrief with the IMA mentors and interns, an educational lecture on the Kenyan healthcare system or visit local tourist attractions, depending on the day. Our evening meals consisted of the amazing local cuisine where we'd all talk about our days, followed by a night shift for some or relaxing at the compound, in the pool or the movie room.
What did you enjoy doing in your free time abroad?
I made so many friends and memories at IMA by spending our free time together in the compound and its amazing pool or going out to bars and restaurants in Mombasa. I was also fortunate to go on two safaris where I could explore Kenya's Indian ocean coastline, then Nairobi and its Savanna, seeing most of the 'Big 5' amongst other incredible animals.
What type of accommodation did you have? What did you like best about it?
We stayed in a compound with 24/7 security. Whilst I was there there were about 15 interns, but I heard the accommodation housed up to 40. As I was in a smaller group we stayed in the main house where I shared a room and en suite with a couple of people which was great fun! We had a living room/movie room, with a dining room and an amazing pool outside.
I think living in the same house as each other was the best bit as spending time with the other interns was easy and relaxed. We also had everything we needed there and had great fun by the pool in our free time. The mentor team were also only meters away during the day, so if we needed anything they were always on hand to help.
I was beyond thrilled to complete my shadowing experience at Coast General Hospital, Mombasa.
Now that you're home, how has your time abroad impacted your life?
It has impacted my life significantly and I think about my time in Kenya frequently. It reinforced my appreciation for the free healthcare we receive in the UK and has increased my desire to help others receive a good standard of healthcare, regardless of their economic status. My time in Mombasa has also developed my skills in questioning things and coming up with alternative solutions, growing my confidence, asking questions and communicating my views.
I am now sure I want to work in the healthcare/biomedical sector, whether this is as a doctor, completing a PhD or going into public health. Either way, I am motivated to use the opportunities and experiences I have to help others.
What is one thing every future participant should know about International Medical Aid (IMA) before their program begins?
Just to apply, I did find it very daunting traveling on my own for the first time, however I really benefited from the challenge and grew in confidence. It really is an experience where you see the reality of the healthcare system in Kenya which can be difficult, but you're surrounded by a helpful and friendly IMA team and interns the whole time. A lot of your daily needs, like laundry and meals, are taken care of for you which I am so grateful for, making it easier to focus on the experience you have in front of you.
Would you recommend International Medical Aid (IMA) to others? Why?
100%, I had the best time in Kenya and still miss it six months later. I learned so much about the Kenyan healthcare system, history, culture and its beautiful nature. The IMA programme also tells you a lot about yourself and leaves a lasting impression; my perspectives have changed since and I have become a more confident individual, I couldn't recommend it more.
What do you feel the biggest benefit of traveling abroad is?
It's totally going outside your comfort zone and growing in confidence as an individual, especially when traveling on your own. I immersed myself in a completely different culture and started to understand the reasoning for social and political norms. I could also experience new foods and nature which was so incredible.
What does meaningful travel mean to you?
Meaningful travel to me, means being totally immersed in the culture, language and history of the destination you're traveling to. It's understanding more about the social and political issues and norms in the country, not just seeing the tourist attractions. IMA enabled us to do so, with Swahili culture, history and public health lessons.
