What inspired you to travel abroad?
I have previously exploited many opportunities to go abroad. From business networking, sports, dance, and a study abroad semester, I have had a multitude of experiences in other cultures. However, I was left thirsting for an experience where I could devote myself to learning in the medical field.
In doing so, I was looking to gain medical knowledge in a setting different from my home country and to be able to immerse myself in the community through service and educational opportunities. An internship with International Medical Aid seemed to be the ideal program to fuse my love for travel with my passion for medicine while immersing myself in the rich culture of Kenya.
Hand and Oral Hygiene Clinic
Why did you choose your International Medical Aid?
I chose this program as it involved a multipronged approach to experiencing medicine in the climate of a third-world country. International Medical Aid (IMA) allowed me the opportunity to shadow doctors and medical professionals at the local hospital, participate in educating primary school children through hygiene clinics, and volunteer at community clinics (free to patients).
Additionally, IMA provided me with opportunities to get acclimated to life in Kenya through lecture series and field trips to local attractions. This allowed me to experience the culture of East Africa and understand the local people, with which I was in daily contact.
What was your favorite part about Kenya?
My favorite part about Kenya was the people. Across all settings, the people were always so welcoming and excited to make a personal connection with me. In the hospital, I had the ability to meet an array of people, from the patients to the medical students and to the practicing professionals, everyone embraced my presence wholeheartedly.
One of my favorite experiences was when a group of interns went to the beach on an off-day and played soccer with the locals, an instance that exemplifies the culture and welcoming nature of the Kenyan people. This joining of cultures through sport was a simple way to overcome all barriers and link together in a beautiful way.
Volunteering at a community clinic with interns
What made your experience abroad extraordinary?
My experience surpassed any expectations I had coming into the program. I met a group of amazing interns that I had the gift of getting to learn from and alongside. The ability to share our passions for medicine and to share our personal experiences with each other was incredibly inspiring. I could not imagine my internship without any of the interns beside me.
Additionally, the medical professionals were so encouraging and informative across all interactions and departments of the hospital. Doctors translated interactions with patients and were so eager to teach about the condition at hand, which was most helpful in maximizing my learning potential. With such enthusiasm toward medicine from both the interns and the doctors, I have been pushed to grow in my intense passion for medicine.
How did the local program staff support you throughout your program?
The IMA staff was incredible in encouraging interns to assimilate to the culture in Kenya to the fullest extent. Through field trips, extra shadowing shifts at the hospital (afternoons and overnight), and accommodating any independently planned excursions via transportation or organization, the staff ensured that Kenya would be my home for the duration of my internship.
Additionally, the staff did all laundry and provided meals each day, including packed lunches for afternoon shifts. There was not an aspect where the staff wasn't supportive in day-to-day activities. The IMA staff really grew to become my family in my home away from home!
What's one thing you wish you would have done differently during your time abroad?
During my abroad experience, I wish I had attended the Serengeti safari excursion. At the time I did not think I would be able to afford it and opted for the more affordable beach safari; however, I believe the Serengeti safari would have made my trip even more outstanding.
This excursion included a tour of the capital city of Nairobi in addition to the camp stay and safari tour across the Serengeti. One group even saw all of the big five animals on one weekend, a unique experience I wish I had been part of. Since I did not attend this excursion, it certainly gives me a reason to go back to Kenya!
Describe what a typical day in your life abroad looked like.
On Mondays through Fridays, I spent my morning hours in the hospital shadowing doctors in my assigned rotation. On Mondays and Thursdays, I often opted to participate in rotations in alternate departments for the afternoon shift, before returning to the residence for dinner and to reconnect with the other interns.
On Tuesdays and Fridays, I attended lectures and workshops respectively, hosted by IMA staff, who presented topics relating to the healthcare climate or practical applications of medicine in Kenya. Wednesdays were reserved for leading hygiene clinics at the primary schools and Saturdays were spent volunteering at the community clinics. This itinerary was all-encompassing for maximum exposure to the medical field.
Excursion to Hell's Kitchen Marafa, Kenya
What did you enjoy doing in your free time abroad?
In my free time, I enjoyed spending time with my fellow interns either at the residence, going to the beach, or attending excursions organized outside of the program itinerary. Often at the residence, a group of interns would enjoy time by the pool, hang out in the living room catching up, or watch a movie together.
On one free Saturday, we went to Diani Beach, which was a great bonding experience and a time to relax after spending the week in the hospital. Spending our free time together allowed me to form strong friendships and embrace every moment spent in Kenya.
What type of accommodation did you have? What did you like best about it?
All interns lived in an enclosed residence of two buildings with 24-hour security. On property, there was a pool at our disposal and a main living room area to allow for large congregations. The residence housed interns in suite-style arrangements, which accommodated about nine interns in each.
There were multiple bathrooms as well as a common room for leisure that were shared among all suite members. Meals were provided each day at the residence, but there were local restaurants to try as well.
Transportation to and from the residence was provided for ease and safety. The best part of the living arrangement was having areas to spend time getting to know the other interns outside of the scheduled itinerary!
Hygiene Clinic at Primary School
What is one thing every future participant should know about the Physician Assistant/Pre-PA Internships Abroad before their program begins?
Every future participant should be ready to immerse themselves wholeheartedly into the culture of East Africa and be prepared to take advantage of every opportunity that presents itself. From the afternoon shifts to the overnight shifts at the hospital, these supplemental shifts proved valuable in making the most out of each department at direct disposal.
Although an adjustment at first, I recommend each intern to be self-driven in seeking knowledge and learning about the rotation at hand to maximize the opportunities. In another light, the hygiene clinics and community clinics are other ways to exploit leadership qualities in the community and to make meaningful connections with the locals—other areas to take advantage.
Additionally, I recommend for each intern to arrive at the program with an open and accepting mind. The healthcare environment in Kenya is nonetheless characteristic of a third world country, which is subsequently reflected in hospital conditions. Exposure to the reality of the hospital conditions comes with emotional, financial and personal challenges.
As an intern in this setting, it is important to remain respectful and accepting even in difficult medical situations. Healthcare delivery varies among cultures, and with limited resources, challenges are compounded.
Would you recommend International Medical Aid to others? Why?
I would definitely recommend my program to others, and in fact, have already recommended the International Medical Aid program to an individual that will be interning in the summer of 2022! This program establishes a holistic perspective on medicine in Kenya, incorporating public health, volunteer, and shadow opportunities.
Additionally, IMA allows one the opportunity to rotate between the different specialties within the hospital as well as over different shifts, maximizing the learning potential in the hospital. I remain grateful for the knowledge I have gained in Kenya, an opportunity that has enhanced my understanding of medicine within different areas of practice and in different systems of healthcare delivery.
Coast General Teaching and Referral Hospital (CGTRH) – Main Location for Intern Rotations
What do you feel the biggest benefit of traveling abroad is?
I find the greatest benefits of traveling abroad to be the cultivation of a wider perspective of the world and the development of a greater understanding for others and their cultures. With respect to this pre-PA/pre-med internship with IMA, the greatest benefit of traveling abroad has been the ability to experience healthcare in a third-world setting—conditions that I tend not to encounter in my home country.
As a first-hand witness to the patients, providers, and all healthcare personnel, I have come to understand the common challenges and barriers to healthcare in Kenya, as a model for third world countries. This experience has provided me with an understanding of individuals that are different from me and has taught me to always act with empathy towards others. I will embrace these qualities of understanding and empathy, and carry them with me in my journey forward as a medical provider.
Now that you're home, how has your time abroad impacted your life?
My experience with International Medical Aid is something that I think about every day as it was a very special time for me and has molded me into the person I am today. My passion for medicine has grown exponentially due to my time in Kenya.
Prior to my internship, I was still debating the career of a physician assistant (PA). With my experiences and continued reflection following my program, I have decided to pursue the path of a physician. My experiences in Kenya shadowing doctors and participating as a leader in the community has provided me with conviction in my career path and the confidence to follow my rooted passion for medicine.
Further down the road, I envision myself running my own clinics abroad to help those in third world systems and to provide pre-health students with opportunities similar to the range I experienced in my internship.
What does meaningful travel mean to you?
To me, meaningful travel means learning more about myself and nourishing a particular passion of mine. My time abroad in Mombasa, Kenya with IMA was nothing short of meaningful travel. Throughout my time, I cultivated an unwavering passion for medicine in cooperation with public health, which is another passion of mine.
Every day I was blessed with the opportunity to learn from medical providers, fellow interns, and the members of the Kenyan community. In this environment and community, I was encouraged to thrive and forge ahead with confidence in my career. As a result of my experiences with medicine and with the people I met in Kenya, I am able to proceed with confidence toward a career as a physician.
On a personal level, my growth and widened perspective of the world have shaped me into a more understanding and empathetic person. These qualities can be transferred to all interpersonal interactions, especially with people who may be different from me.
