What inspired you to travel abroad?
Before the pandemic, getting stuck in the routine of attending class, trying to get good grades, and volunteering was easy because that is what every pre-med kid was doing. However, with the pandemic throwing a wrench in that routine, I had a unique chance to self-reflect on why I wanted to enter healthcare.
My reasons have always been along the lines of wanting to do something purposeful and meaningful with my life. Combined with my love of science, I had always thought being a doctor was the logical route. However, I, and most people, have realized that dozens of other jobs can provide the same principles other than just being a doctor.
Given this, I wanted to truly prove to myself that this is the field I wanted to go into, and I believed one of the only ways to realize this was to go somewhere in the world that did not have as much money and resources and experience their healthcare system. I believe this is where one can observe what makes them want to become a physician.
In the U.S., there are many layers to becoming a physician that can cloud one’s judgment on pursuing this profession. However, traveling abroad and experiencing physicians in another setting that may not have access to as many resources as the hospitals in the U.S. will peel the layers back until the true reason for becoming a doctor shows.
It exposed my core reason for wanting to become a doctor and forced me to peer in and examine what it was. Only then will someone honestly know that this is the path that they want to take.
My time exploring the beaches of Mombasa, Kenya
Why did you choose International Medical Aid (IMA)?
After I decided that I wanted to go abroad, I began searching for a reputable and cost-efficient organization that lined up with why I wanted to go. I found many reputable organizations that could help one go abroad; however, only one truly stuck out to me: International Medical Aid (IMA).
This organization was highly cost-efficient compared to the other programs I found and had the most activities/opportunities. It provides the volunteers with valuable healthcare experiences and situations.
However, not only did they match participants with specific hospital departments and reputable doctors, but they also had community outreach programs to make a difference to the population in the area.
They held free clinics where people could come and get physical exams, learn from education programs for young students to teach them proper hygiene, and eat meals that were prepared and handed out to local children.
IMA is not only a healthcare internship but a well-rounded experience abroad that genuinely makes a difference—not only for the volunteers, but also the residents in the communities that they serve.
What was your favorite part about Mombasa, Kenya?
Mombasa, Kenya is a city that has so much history and so many beautiful places, it is hard to choose my favorite part about it.
However, if I have to choose, I would say that my favorite part about Mombasa was the people. From the time I landed, every interaction I had was pleasant and everyone was always eager to help if I had questions.
What made your experience abroad extraordinary?
My experience abroad was extraordinary because it was one of the first times I had been to a part of the world that was so different from the life I was used to. It was the realization that there is so much more to the world, and the different customs, people, and overall life was so beautiful that they will always stick with me.
It has provided a perspective that one can only receive once they travel somewhere different from where they grew up. Additionally, the friendships I made and the interactions I had only added to my admiration of the city and country.
How did the local program staff support you throughout your program?
I could not be more grateful for the IMA staff in Kenya. Everyone I met was extremely friendly and kind, and they made sure to make everyone feel as comfortable as possible.
The staff understood that the lifestyle change would initially shock many volunteers, and they were excellent at easing everybody into the program. In addition, the staff was very flexible and willing to drive volunteers to the mall, restaurants, or beach during our off time
My intern group after completing a free clinic in rural Kenya
Did your program provide specific pre-departure Covid support? If yes, tell us what kind of support you received.
IMA was extremely transparent before heading to Kenya, and they made all of us aware of their Covid guidelines. They listened strongly to the CDC and Kenyan government and let us know that the safety of the volunteers was of utmost importance to them. I was extremely grateful for their communication regarding Covid and I felt like I was in good hands before departing.
How did your program help you stay (and feel) safe abroad amidst the ongoing pandemic?
Yes, IMA was very proactive in ensuring the safety of its volunteers during the pandemic. They communicated a process that the staff put in place if a volunteer tested positive and how they would try and reduce the spread while not dampening our experience.
Receiving Covid tests was easy, and whenever a volunteer needed a negative test, IMA would ensure that we were tested and made aware of the results quickly and effectively. Additionally, we were required to wear masks when appropriate, such as in the hospital.
What's one thing you wish you would have done differently during your time abroad?
One thing I wish I had done during my time in Kenya was to get to know the local staff better. They were truly some of the kindest people I had gotten to spend time with, and they taught me much about the history of Kenya and the current social issues affecting the country.
If I had made more of an effort to continue to get to know the staff and talk to them, I would have gotten to understand a more robust perspective on other countries and the issues affecting them.
My time on my safari at the Masai Mara Reserve in western Kenya
Describe what a typical day in your life abroad looked like.
During my time in Kenya, I would typically wake up around 6:30 AM to have breakfast and coffee. Once everyone had breakfast, we would head to the hospital and go to the specific department we were with for that week.
Once there, a clinical supervisor would show us around and allow us to follow them throughout the day. Time at the hospital usually lasted about four hours, and after the shift ended, we would get picked up by IMA staff and head back to the residence for lunch.
After lunch, we would have a clinical debrief where each volunteer had the opportunity to talk about their day and any significant events that may have happened. Usually, after this, there would be a community outreach opportunity or a trek planned in the afternoon.
Typically the weekends consisted of community outreach or tours, including some free time to allow the volunteers to decompress. Overall, IMA did a great job keeping the volunteers busy and making the most of their time in Kenya.
What did you enjoy doing in your free time abroad?
While IMA did a great job at planning things for the volunteers, there was free time where we could explore. Typically during my free time, I would try and exercise to get my body moving and hang out with the other volunteers.
It was important to me that I would explore as much of Mombasa as possible, and I tried during much of the free time that we had. However, my favorite activity was going to dinner with the other volunteers at the popular restaurants in Mombasa.
These dinners meant much to me because it was the best time to get to know the other volunteers and their reasons for being there.
What type of accommodation did you have? What did you like best about it?
The accommodation that we received through IMA was terrific. From the start, the staff picked us up from the airport and we traveled to the residence—a gated multi-room housing complex. The team immediately greeted me and was kind enough to help bring my luggage to the room.
Additionally, every day they provided us with home-cooked breakfast, lunch, and dinner by a fantastic chef. The food was phenomenal, as it was traditional Kenyan cuisine cooked fresh every day. The staff would also do our laundry and ensure our rooms were clean for our arrival from the hospital every afternoon.
Also, when there was nothing planned for the afternoon, the staff would drive us wherever we wanted, such as the mall. The accommodation I received made me significantly more comfortable and helped me recover from the long days.
My time playing with kids of a local orphanage
What is one thing every future participant should know about your program before their program begins?
I would suggest to new participants to be as open-minded as possible. There was significant culture shock the first couple of days, but going in with an open mind helped me.
Many of the experiences that the volunteers have will be different from ones that they are used to, however, being open to the difference in cultures and embracing other perspectives will help make the most out of traveling abroad.
Would you recommend IMA to others? Why?
I would absolutely recommend IMA to others. The program provides a once-in-a-lifetime experience that will help one's career path and enhance their entire life. It was a program that always made me feel safe, and the staff ensured that each of us was comfortable.
Experiencing healthcare in another country through this program allows the volunteers to peer within themselves and determine why they want to go into healthcare. I believe that is necessary for achieving one's path, and IMA ensures this experience happens.
What do you feel the biggest benefit of traveling abroad is?
I believe that the biggest benefit of traveling abroad is experiencing other perspectives. Many people will just go through life with no knowledge of other cultures. I believe this has a big impact because experiencing and gaining other perspectives is imperative to succeeding in healthcare and in life.
With the U.S. becoming more diverse each year, being able to understand different cultures and peoples will enhance the care that they will receive and open up new ways of thinking.
Now that you're home, how has your time abroad impacted your life?
My time abroad has impacted my life in more ways than one. First, it has expanded my perspective on healthcare and life. Observing many different cultures and ways of life has allowed me to realize that there is more to the world than previously thought.
Because of this, it has allowed me to have new ways of thinking about specific problems and issues facing healthcare today.
However, the direct realization that my time abroad has given me made me realize what kind of physician I want to be. One that is not only empathetic and open-minded, but also one who can effectively treat patients from various backgrounds and cultures.
What does meaningful travel mean to you?
Meaningful travel, for me, is when one engages with the people of the area they are in. They will be able to experience different cultures and perspectives rather than just observe. I believe this can allow travelers to get more out of their trip and truly make it meaningful.
Today, one of the most important things people need is to understand other perspectives—and, if done right, I believe travel can undoubtedly provide this.
