What inspired you to travel abroad?
I saw one of my friends go abroad through International Medical Aid. When she returned, she told me about all the adventures she went on and the education about global healthcare. This piqued my interest. So, I researched how medicine was different in other countries worldwide and looked up medical relief programs.
After learning about all the opportunities that going abroad presented, I was hooked. I wanted to put myself out there and expand my knowledge about medicine. There is more to medicine than what in the United States, so I was determined to go out into the world and see what's out there.
I had a great time during the free clinic sessions. I got to help with triage and consultations. It made me realize how few resources these local communities have and how much more they need it. It was always fun seeing the little kids come by and talk to them.
Why did you choose International Medical Aid?
I choose International Medical Aid because I love how this program incorporates medicine in Kenya and the culture. Not only did we learn about the medical system in Kenya and how there needs to be more preventative care, but we also got an education session every week.
These would be on how Kenya came to be, exploring local communities, and talking to the people of Kenya. Also, all of the staff members were people from Kenya, so they were very knowledgeable about the culture, and educated us on how to accommodate to the environment.
What was your favorite part about Kenya?
The generosity and hospitality was my favorite part of Kenya. Being in California, you don't constantly interact with open-minded and welcoming people. So it came to my surprise how everywhere I went in Kenya, everyone was friendly and always willing to answer my questions or teach me.
The environment was inclusive and an inviting educational experience. Also, life was slower. There was no emphasis on the concept of time, and no one rushed for time. It was the complete opposite of California and how everything is about time.
What made your experience abroad extraordinary?
It was extraordinary because every day was a new adventure. I got to network with different medical professionals in various fields of medicine in a foreign country. I got to learn and work with other people from around the United States and worldwide.
Most of all, I got to see what it's like to manage patient care with sacred resources and how people use the best they have to provide as much care and help as possible for their community. Additionally, I witnessed rare medical cases that I would not usually see in the United States, which challenged my knowledge in medicine.
How did the local program staff support you throughout your program?
The local staff was terrific. Safety was their #1#1 priority, which always reassured me that I would never be in danger. They supported our medical education with educational seminars and discussions about healthcare in Kenya. The staff took care of us by ensuring we had enough food, water, and proper housing.
They accommodated our needs and ensured we had adequate transportation to wherever we needed to go. They were my family in Kenya when I was away from America, which helped with my homesickness. They took care of everything so would not have to worry about food or housing, and just focus on the medicine and helping out the community.
What's one thing you wish you would have done differently during your time abroad?
I wish I had taken the time to learn more about Swahili while I was in Kenya. I could have engaged in more conversations with Kenya's local people and patients. At the hospital, I would possibly understand what the patients are telling the providers.
I could have had fun conversations with the primary and secondary kids in the communities during the hygiene sessions. Overall, I could have been exposed to more of the culture in Kenya and built more memories with the people.
I had an incredible experience in Kenya. Being able to help others was not only the best experience, but it was also incredible meeting all these amazing people that have changed my life. Thank you all for this once-in-a-lifetime adventure!
Describe what a typical day in your life abroad looked like.
In the morning, I would get up around 6:30 a.m. and get ready for my rotation at the hospital. After I ate breakfast, I would board our transportation and head to the hospital. It was always crowded and chaotic with people walking in and out everywhere.
I would try to get there early enough to join the physicians and residents for morning rounds to get a better understanding of each patient's case. Depending on the department, I would observe procedures, assist the staff with patient care, or look over the patient charts.
What did you enjoy doing in your free time abroad?
When I went to Kenya, I had to take my graduate school entrance exam, and physician assistant program applications were open. Therefore, during some of my free time, I would study for my exam or complete my applications.
Sometimes, the other interns and I would go to the marketplace, explore the local beaches and waterfalls or go to Moonshine to celebrate. When I had additional time, I would work on my journal about my experience in Kenya or connect with my family members back at home.
What type of accommodation did you have? What did you like best about it?
The accommodation of transportation was the best. After reviewing the orientation PowerPoint, I was glad to know we had staff members that would drive us to and from the hospital and other places around Nyail.
Also, we knew all the drivers well, so we trusted our safety with them and knew that we could put our trust in them. Another accommodation that I was grateful for was the residential area—a safe space and environment for interns to live and sleep without worrying about our safety.
What is one thing every future participant should know about your program before their program begins?
For future interns, even though you have an idea of what a developing country is like due to what you read online or the pictures posted on social media, there is no amount of information that will prepare you for what you will witness every day.
At first, it was overwhelming to see the poverty in person and how it was in Kenya. I would tell future interns to prepare and take it all in. Please don't take it for granted. Go in with an open mind about Kenya's culture and the people, and appreciate all your experience there.
Would you recommend International Medical Aid to others? Why?
Yes! I would 100% recommend this program to anyone! This program provides a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. You get to observe and help in a public hospital, reach out to primary and secondary schools to lead hygiene sessions, and participate in free clinics for the local community.
At the same time, you get to connect with the culture and network with the people of Kenya. You can expand your perspective on global medicine while experiencing a new adventure every day.
One of my favorite things to do in Kenya was leading the menstrual hygiene session for primary and secondary school girls.
What do you feel the biggest benefit of traveling abroad is?
The most significant benefit of traveling abroad is the experience as a whole. This trip allowed me to connect with new people and learn a different medical perspective in another country. I witnessed terrific surgeries and networked with various providers in the different fields of medicine.
It gave me a new perspective on the importance of primary care and ignited a new passion for global health and serving underserved communities worldwide. Overall, I think this experience will benefit me to become an excellent PA in the future.
Now that you're home, how has your time abroad impacted your life?
I realize how much I took advantage of my resources at home. When we're out of supplies at work, instead of complaining about the lack of resources, my nurses and I try to develop a plan to help the patient still, but differently.
Additionally, I stopped putting such high priority around the concept of time. I feel like I used to run around and not stop for a moment to take a step back, which would not allow me to see where I was going. I have been more present at the moment and still do my job.
What does meaningful travel mean to you?
This trip meant a lot to me. It helped me as a person and future provider. Not only did it confirm that medicine was the path for me, but it also helped me find a new passion for medicine: global healthcare.
With my experience in Kenya, I have a new purpose for pursuing a career as a PA, and I want to work with underserved communities. I want to focus my effort and time in medicine on primary care and mental health care in developing countries to the forefront of medicine.
