What inspired you to go abroad?
I was inspired by the doctors volunteering with Doctors Without Borders and other medical humanitarian organizations in areas such as Gaza and Sudan. Their willingness to sacrifice safety for the care of their patients is what inspires me to pursue a global perspective of medicine.
I went into this internship seeking a new perspective on medicine and how it is practiced in areas that are deprived of the resources we have in the United States. By going abroad, I was able to get a sense of what this entails.
Why did you choose International Medical Aid?
I chose IMA because of its emphasis on ethical student experiences. Traveling abroad for a medical observership has ethical implications in immersion with a different cultural and religious environment.
There is a lot to consider when working with and learning from vulnerable populations, especially for students from countries with greater opportunities, wealth, and education. The program offered lectures on public health in Kenya, cultural norms, and language lessons, all of which contributed to my decision to choose IMA.
What was your favorite part about Kenya?
Nyali Beach
My favorite part about Kenya is how friendly everyone is. Upon landing in Jomo Kenyatta Airport, I was greeted with sincere kindness everywhere I went–a stark comparison to the norms of the American hustle culture.
Mombasa, Kenya, also has a unique history that is reflected everywhere I went in the food, art, and social interactions I experienced.
What made your experience abroad extraordinary?
I’m grateful to have experienced both life and death during my time at CGTRH and to have been exposed to the harsh realities of medicine early on. My experience abroad helped me reach an epiphany about my purpose in entering medicine.
Observing the way CGTRH doctors operate in such a challenging environment taught me about resilience and adaptivity. A broken system may not be able to be fixed, but a difference can still be made from within.
This is how I can best fight the policy changes in America and make a difference. A rotten system does not excuse inaction, but, in fact, it demands action. At these critical points in history, it matters how one reacts—if they back down or step up.
How did local staff support you throughout your program?
The IMA staff is incredible. The mentors are there for each intern in many capacities, including emotional support, program support, and support of any ideas they have for clinics. The housekeeping staff and kitchen staff work hard every day to keep the residence running. Each one of them is so kind, and I loved getting to chat with them.
For each holiday and birthday, the kitchen staff went out of their way to prepare a special meal and cake and to help us feel at home. If there was a particular food we enjoyed or requested, they would work to accommodate it as well or make it again the next day.
What's one thing you wish you would have done differently during your time abroad?
I wish I had gone out of my way more to experience more Kenyan culture and food. For example, there was a local artist selling his paintings at a historical site we visited, and I wish I had purchased one.
Every Wednesday, the interns went out for Karaoke at a local bar, and I wish I had gone more than once. I also wish I had signed up for more night shifts to experience more departments in the hospital.
Describe what a typical day in your life abroad looked like.
When I wake up, I’ll enjoy a breakfast made by the IMA staff. Then, I take the bus to the hospital for a 5-hour shift in my respective department. In the afternoon, I attend the clinical debrief session, lecture, a clinic at a local school (mental health, women’s health, hygiene), or a cultural activity planned by the program.
In the evening, some nights I will get ready for their night shift, which allows for opportunities in departments outside my weekly rotation, while other nights I have free time.
Every other Saturday, the interns travel to an outreach clinic that can last between five to eight hours.
Giraffes at the Nguuni Nature Sanctuary
What did you enjoy doing during your free time abroad?
During my free time, I enjoyed swimming in the Indian Ocean, participating in weekly cultural treks, and spending time with friends. Sometimes we go to the mall, the gym, or the pool, or just hang out, chatting and watching TV.
It is said that swimming in the Indian Ocean brings good luck. One of my favorite cultural activities was visiting the Nguuni Nature Sanctuary. It’s a sanctuary entirely free to the public where giraffes, ostriches, antelopes, and other animals roam freely.
Other cultural activities included visiting various community groups and cultural centers that have an exhibition of arts and crafts. Most of my souvenirs were purchased from these cultural centers.
What type of accommodation did you have? What did you like best about it?
The interns stayed in a gated residence that is exclusively for the program. Each unit in the residence housed up to four interns with ample space. Within the gate, there is a pool and a common living space where we could spend our free time.
Each day, there is plenty of food provided to us as well as cleaning. Interns could also opt for a laundry service. Uber and food delivery services were easily accessible as well. The best part about our accommodation is the staff. Their friendliness and kindness made the residence feel like an incredibly safe and welcoming place.
What is one thing every future participant should know about your program before their program begins?
The program provides a solid foundation for you to experience and learn about health in a different context; however, interns will have to make an intentional effort to make the most of the experience.
During hospital rotations, you are often left alone within the department. It is necessary to understand how your presence may make the patients or providers feel and to be flexible and adaptable to different contexts. Your education will not be the highest priority, especially in critical patient cases. It is necessary to learn how to balance making the most out of your time there with consideration for others and pragmatism with compassion.
Most providers love having conversations about their work, politics, or culture, but it is crucial to understand when that is appropriate and when your presence is uncomfortable to patients.
Would you recommend Global Health & Pre-Medicine Internships to others? Why?
I would recommend this program to students who have an interest in pursuing global health. This program allowed me to dip my toe into this area of medicine in a way that was safe, supported, and informed, while also providing opportunities for cultural experiences and education.
I learned so much with this program, and it helped me solidify my purpose for entering medicine.
What do you feel the biggest benefit of traveling abroad is?
Artwork at Bombululu Cultural Center
The biggest benefit of traveling abroad is being able to apply a unique perspective to current issues. During my time in Kenya, I witnessed many healthcare challenges that parallel those experienced in the United States. I am able to compare the etiologies, management, and outcomes between different political systems and cultures.
I also believe it is important to experience cultures that are different from ours in order to gain a better understanding of humanity–what makes us all similar–and to cultivate an appreciation for what is different than what we are used to.
Now that you're home, how has your time abroad impacted your life?
My time abroad has impacted my life because it has motivated me more in my journey in medicine. It has helped me better understand who I am as a person and why I want to go into medicine and why I want to go into it, particularly at a time that is politically tumultuous.
I realized that this is the best way I can fight what is happening in the United States and beyond. And at these points in history, it's important to step up, not back down.
What does meaningful travel mean to you?
Meaningful travel means that your experience in someone else’s home is beneficial to them as much as it is beneficial to you. It means that your presence is sustainable, responsible, and supportive of the existing systems already in place.
Traveling to Kenya resulted in my personal growth, but it also benefited the communities I learned from. For example, 1) the schools our program visited partner with IMA to educate their students about certain aspects of health that are otherwise not commonly talked about, 2) the cultural centers and community artists we visited provided me with a rich cultural immersion, while my support of them empowers the artists economically and socially to support their community, and 3) IMA donates equipment and funds to CGTRH (the hospital we rotated in).
