What inspired you to go abroad?
I wanted to expand on what I was learning in the classroom when it came to health disparities. I knew what these things looked like as abstract concepts, but I needed real-life experiences to support my understanding.
I also wanted the opportunity to broaden my cultural competency so that I could begin building the skills necessary to be a well-rounded physician.
Why did you choose International Medical Aid?
Certificate of program completion presented on the final day.
I chose to go to Kenya because I was looking for a unique experience. I wanted to go somewhere that was nothing like what I could get in the United States.
I felt that IMA's program in Mombasa would help me cultivate a new and unique perspective that would not only serve as a topic for medical school interviews but also a chance to learn more about the world and the role that I could play in it.
What was your favorite part about Mombasa?
My favorite part about Mombasa was how kind and welcoming the people were, and that extended everywhere I went in Kenya. Everyone I met was glad I was there and willing to help me in any way I needed. I worried that the language barrier would be extremely difficult, but I learned that empathy and compassion are universal.
What made your experience abroad extraordinary?
The best part of my experience abroad was getting to interact with the people in the community during our clinics.
Each week, we would go to a local primary school to teach students about either handwashing and oral hygiene or feminine hygiene. It was amazing to get to implement health education principles that I had learned in the classroom.
Feminine hygiene clinic at local school.
How did local staff support you throughout your program?
The local staff was phenomenal. They provided the necessary help through every step of my trip.
My advisor, Christabel Njeru, was the most wonderful person. She truly cared about my well-being and wanted to make sure that my time there was worthwhile. She and the other program staff provided recommendations for restaurants and shopping, and answered any questions that I had.
What's one thing you wish you would have done differently during your time abroad?
I wish I had been able to learn more Swahili before going to Kenya. This would have made it a lot easier to understand interactions between doctors and patients at the hospital.
While I did the best I could to pick up on context clues during their conversations, it was still difficult to follow along because the language is so different. Luckily, many of the doctors were willing to translate for me and explain after they were finished speaking to the patient.
Describe what a typical day in your life abroad looked like.
I would wake up each morning and get ready to head to the hospital. I put on my scrubs, made sure my water bottle was full, and headed down to breakfast. Breakfast was provided at the residence before the bus came to pick us up and take us to the hospital.
Once at the hospital, I spent 5 hours observing doctors and trying to learn everything I could about different specialties and conditions. Then, I would take the bus back to the residence, have lunch, and spend the afternoon reading and relaxing if we didn't have a clinic to attend.
What did you enjoy doing during your free time abroad?
My favorite thing to do in my free time was to sit on the balcony and read a book. With the breeze blowing, it felt like a little piece of heaven. The residence also had a pool, so when it was sunny, it was nice to lie by the pool and read or even take a dip and swim with friends on days that the temperature was warm.
What type of accommodation did you have? What did you like best about it?
IMA provided a group residence for all of the interns on-site. It was apartment-style.
I shared a bedroom with two other girls, and we had three other roommates in a separate bedroom. The apartment was very spacious, and the living room had a big couch where we could all hang out. I became good friends with all five of my roommates!
What is one thing every future participant should know about your program before their program begins?
I think every participant should know that it is going to be difficult. You should go in with the mindset that you will be challenged while you are there, which is not a bad thing.
There will be simple challenges, like the lack of air conditioning. There will also be more difficult challenges, like seeing patients die because there just aren't the resources to save them.
Would you recommend International Medical Aid to others? Why?
I would recommend IMA in East Africa to others. The experiences in the hospital and during the clinics were extremely valuable and taught me a lot about practicing medicine. After the program, I felt more confident in my ability to conquer challenges.
Additionally, the program also provided the opportunity to go on a group safari, which was absolutely incredible.
What do you feel the biggest benefit of traveling abroad is?
Handing out free toothbrushes and toothpaste to students at local school.
The biggest benefit of traveling abroad is becoming a global citizen and learning cultural competency.
Experiencing other cultures in their native environment gives you a new perspective and deeper respect for people's different traditions and general ways of life. It is much easier to have compassion for others when you have actually lived in their shoes.
Now that you're home, how has your time abroad impacted your life?
I find myself bringing up my time in Kenya in conversations every day. My experiences are applicable to so many aspects of life.
The growth I experienced during my five weeks there gave me the confidence to study abroad for an entire semester. I am extremely thankful that I took advantage of this life-changing opportunity.
What does meaningful travel mean to you?
Meaningful travel means respecting the local culture and learning everything that you can about others and yourself on your journey. If travel is truly meaningful, you should come home a new person. It means creating memories that will last forever and meeting people who shape your life for the better.
