What inspired you to travel abroad?
I have always had an interest in traveling and wanted to find an opportunity abroad that went beyond the typical tourist experience. Specifically, I wanted to experience a healthcare system that differed from what I grew up with in Canada. I was looking to develop my cultural competency, expand my worldview, and cultivate skills that would make me a better global citizen and ultimately a better practitioner.
Why did you choose International Medical Aid (IMA)?
In searching for an organization to go abroad with, I was looking for one that was well-established, offered experiences in the medical field, and, most importantly, operated in an ethical and socially conscious way. Right away, it was clear to me that International Medical Aid (IMA) had everything I was looking for. It can be nerve-wracking to put so much trust in an organization you found online and know very little about but IMA's robust collection of intern testimonials, 24/7 support, and transparent operation made the process so much easier.
I appreciated that IMA was founded by a reputable and familiar institution such as Johns Hopkins and followed AAMC rules and regulations. I was adamantly against traveling abroad to act outside of my qualifications or take part in some performative saviourism. With only a bachelor of science, I wanted to be a part of an organization that recognized the limitations of my capabilities and did not advertise under the guise of making a profoundly positive impact.
First and foremost, I wanted to learn without causing harm and, when appropriate, help make a positive impact, however small. IMA's philosophy aligned perfectly with mine and provided additional opportunities to explore East Africa. It was an easy choice!
This was a women’s health session where we discussed female anatomy, menstrual health, and more.
What was your favorite part about East Africa?
The people! The local staff with International Medical Aid, healthcare workers, patients, and other locals made the experience so special. Everyone was friendly, helpful, and eager to share their culture. Kenyan people are proud to be Kenyan, and rightfully so! I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know everyone I met from East Africa and will always cherish those relationships and interactions.
Also, during my trek to Malindi, we visited Hell’s Kitchen, Marafa—Kenya’s ‘Grand Canyon’ made entirely of sandstone. We went at sunrise to avoid the extreme daytime heat, which also causes the sandstone to change color. It was so cool to look out at the vastness of the canyon and then venture inward to explore the topography up close.
What made your experience abroad extraordinary?
International Medical Aid really has every aspect of their healthcare internships down to a tee. Not having to worry about the day-to-day operations of my trip allowed me to thoroughly immerse myself in the experience from start to finish. I felt safe going out of my comfort zone and pushing myself to seek out different experiences knowing that I would always be supported and taken care of.
Also, during my healthcare internship, I had the pleasure of facilitating multiple different community outreach initiatives including hygiene, mental health, and women’s health education sessions. While it was challenging to navigate certain social and cultural differences, such as the inaccessibility of birth control and emphasis on abstinence, this experience was overwhelmingly positive. Despite being well-educated, these students lacked a fulsome understanding of their own bodies due to the stigmatization of female bodies in Kenya. Giving them tools to empower themselves through increased knowledge and access was a truly impactful and rewarding experience.
Stopped at Hell’s Kitchen, Marafa, known as Kenya’s ‘Grand Canyon’ on my trek to Malindi.
How did the local program staff support you throughout your program?
I simply cannot count all the ways the local staff with International Medical Aid (IMA) supported me throughout my program. The kitchen, housekeeping, and transportation staff were all incredibly kind, accommodating, and reliable. The local operational staff were the same and went above and beyond to ensure everyone was comfortable and safe.
On one of my first nights there, I accidentally cut my finger on the edge of a mirror and wasn't sure what to do. One of my fellow interns called the program director who, without hesitation, hopped out of bed and drove to our residence. He took me to a private hospital and helped me communicate with the care providers to ensure I got the best care possible, which ended up being several stitches and a tetanus shot. On a different occasion, I left my water bottle at a tourist site we had visited and one of the program coordinators went out of their way to get it for me even when I told them I was happy to go myself or buy a new one.
The most meaningful example, however, was after my rotation in oncology. This is not a rotation that they readily offer, but I asked if it would be possible for me to spend a day there because my Mom was recently diagnosed with cancer and I was interested to see how the oncology department in Mombasa differed from the one I spent so much time in back home. Unsurprisingly, that day was one of the hardest for me as it hit the closest to home.
When we did our usual debrief after our rotations at the residence that day, one of the mentors went out of her way to acknowledge how difficult that must have been for me and how brave it was to do that. She made sure to check on me in the hours following to make sure I was okay and sent me a really thoughtful message the next day to let me know that I could reach out anytime if I needed additional support. The local IMA staff truly care about each intern and go above and beyond to support each person through their internship.
Did International Medical Aid provide specific pre-departure Covid support? If yes, please tell us what kind of support you received.
They advised us to research and observe COVID travel restrictions and requirements, as they vary widely and are constantly changing. Beyond that, they provided us with educational material to inform us about the local health environment and were available 24/7 to answer any questions that would arise. All interns also had to provide proof of vaccination to secure their position in the program.
How did International Medical Aid help you stay (and feel) safe abroad amidst the ongoing pandemic?
Everyone in the program was vaccinated and required to wear masks and other PPE as appropriate in the hospital. I never felt concerned about the ongoing pandemic while in my program and knew that I had robust support if I were to become concerned. Additionally, I knew that necessary measures would be taken if someone were to become sick which luckily was not an issue.
I saw illustrious mountain gorillas in the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Uganda!
What's one thing you wish you would have done differently during your time abroad?
I wish I would have taken more initiative and advantage of the limitless support and opportunities offered by International Medical Aid (IMA). Specifically, a few weeks before I left for my trip, I saw a social media post about past interns who had carried out research projects during their internship. Had I known this was a possibility sooner, I certainly would have pursued a research project but unfortunately, there wasn't enough time for me to organize it.
IMA is willing to support virtually any intern-led initiative. For example, I organized a GoFundMe campaign with one of my fellow interns for a family we had met there and they helped us carry it out in a socially conscious way and coordinate the financial logistics (i.e., transferring to a Kenyan bank account and then to the hospital directly). While this is not something they would include in their program offerings, they were keen to help.
Describe what a typical day in your life abroad looked like.
On the weekdays, I would get up around 7 am to give myself time to call my family, journal, and eat breakfast before one of the (wonderful) drivers picked us up at 8 am to go to the hospital. When you arrive there, each intern goes to their designated department, each of which offers a different experience. The van comes to pick everyone up at a set time in the early afternoon unless you've signed up for an afternoon shift. At the residence, you have time to shower, change, and eat lunch before an organized debrief and/or scheduled activity (e.g., global health lecture, clinical simulation, Swahili lesson, local tourism, outreach initiative).
In the evening, you have some free time before and after dinner to hang out or explore the local area. On weekends, there are some scheduled activities (e.g., team bonding, outreach initiatives) and some downtime as well. International Medical Aid also offers an array of different trekking opportunities which span varying lengths of time; for example, one of my weekends was spent in the nearby town of Malindi on a beach safari!
What did you enjoy doing in your free time abroad?
I loved spending time with my fellow interns both in and outside of the residence. We enjoyed watching shows and just hanging out, but I really loved going out for dinner or drinks, going to malls and markets, and spending time at the beach. It is safe, easy, and affordable to travel around Mombasa as we used Uber to get around!
What type of accommodation did you have? What did you like best about it?
The communal residence was modern, clean, spacious, and comfortable. Every room had at least two beds, and I really liked having a roommate as it's a quick way to bond and it's nice to have someone to chat and spend time with from the get-go. The residence was gated and had security 24/7 so I never felt unsafe. It was in a great neighborhood and had its own private pool, which was of course a bonus!
Also, the accommodations at Agandi Uganda was the most incredible place I’ve ever stayed. I was blown away by the vast, lush beauty as I drove through Rwanda and Uganda en route to the national park. I can’t say enough positive things about the eco-lodges and staff at Agandi Uganda—the food, the hot water bottles at the end of your bed each night, the views, and everything!
Accommodations at Agandi Uganda for the Gorilla Trek in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park.
Now that you're home, how has your time abroad impacted your life?
While it may sound cliche, my time abroad has changed my perspective on the world. More than ever, I am aware of and grateful for the privilege of universal healthcare here in Canada. This experience has taught me so much and helped me to develop my cultural competency and expand my worldview. I am increasingly interested in seeking out new opportunities to explore the world and ultimately work with more marginalized communities, whether that be abroad or locally.
What is one thing every future participant should know about your program before their program begins?
You get what you put in. You can maximize your experience by asking questions, taking notes, being open-minded, and pushing yourself out of your comfort zone (without acting outside of your qualifications). If you don't do these things, you will still leave with crazy stories and a once-in-a-lifetime experience, but one which may lack depth and impact.
Take initiative and don't be afraid to inquire about opportunities not listed on the schedule! Two of my favorite hospital rotations were in Oncology and the Gender and Sexual Based Violence Recovery Clinic, neither of which were listed as options for my program. If you are interested in research, want to start a fundraiser, want to (re)visit a specific site, or something different altogether, just ask! The staff at International Medical Aid are unwaveringly supportive and accommodating and will do their best to facilitate any intern-led initiatives.
Some of the things you will have the privilege of witnessing will be really difficult and could be traumatic, especially if it's your first time in a hospital setting. It's so important to properly and thoroughly debrief after each day and be honest about how you are feeling. It's okay to not be okay and it's okay to ask for support. You aren't expected to be unwaveringly strong and uninfluenced by these difficult experiences, everyone is affected differently and no feeling or reaction is wrong. Oh, and bring your own towel!
Would you recommend International Medical Aid to others? Why?
Absolutely. I felt supported from the day I applied to the day I got home and had the most incredible, memorable, and impactful experience. I cannot say enough positive things about International Medical Aid and would highly recommend them to anyone who is thinking about or already has a career in healthcare.
What do you feel the biggest benefit of traveling abroad is?
I think the biggest benefit of traveling abroad is developing your cultural competency and expanding your worldview. It is through these experiences that we learn how to become better global citizens, and in this case, care providers. I think it is important to remain curious and open-minded about experiences that differ from our own, and traveling abroad is a great way to do that!
What does meaningful travel mean to you?
To travel meaningfully to me means traveling in a way that is socially conscious, curious, and immersive. I think it is so important to seek out new experiences, engage with different cultures, and maintain an open mind, but of course, one must do so in a way that is ethically responsible.
I think it is also important to recognize the privilege inherent to being a traveler or tourist, and consider how this privileged position differs from and affects those who are conversely traveled to. It is our responsibility to educate ourselves and ensure that we minimize or even counteract harm as we navigate the world and travel meaningfully.
